Notice that I am not filing this under "To Care or Not to Care," because we should all be psyched that NBC just greenlit a two-hour backdoor pilot for a new Knight Rider series. According to Variety, Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Go, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) will produce, and possibly direct, the "Transformers-inspired" TV movie that should air later this season — and could lead to a fall ‘08 serial if it doesn’t suck. Or tank.
Since original Knight Rider David Hasselhoff (pictured) will likely be busy filming his own pilot— a Fat Actress/So NoTORIous-style scripted show produced by Ryan Seacrest for E!— KITT is in need of a new owner. The first name that came to my mind was Ron Livingston. I could see him conversing with a car and taking on his evil double and a semi named GOLIATH. (Yeah, you’ll want to relive that great moment in Hoff History here.)
If you were Liman, which actor would you be calling? And what are your favorite memories of Knight Rider, which debuted 25 years ago yesterday?
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Ron Livingston would be great, especially since he worked with Liman in “Swingers”…
In fact, I don’t know if I can think of anyone better than that right now!
I sat through the Bionic Woman last night. Is there a rule at NBC that every 70s and 80s TV show has to be redone?
As long as William Daniels is still the voice of KITT, I’m in!
I know he’s kinda busy now, but I think James Marsters could get behind the wheel.
As my nickname shows, Ron Livingston could recite the menu of Pink’s and I’d be there. Sure. I dont think this is a good idea, but sure, what the heck.
As my nickname shows, Ron Livingston could recite the menu of Pink’s and I’d be there. Sure. I dont think this is a good idea, but sure, what the heck.
I don’t know for the series but for the movie I would love to see Tom Welling take over as Michael Knight or his son…
How about Ryan Reynolds? I’d watch anything with him in it.
Or, Jensen Ackles. Loved him in Dark Angel. Currently loving him in Supernatural.
One more. Jason Statham.
No one can replace the Hoff!
Totally agree Jennifer Jason Statham! He so rules!!!!! Thought I do not think he would like to drive Trans am-firebird…….
I think Adrian Grenier should play him as Vince Chase on Entourage. That would give us a sliver, but prevent us from having to endure an entire series with the eventual Hoff cameo.
Statham is FAR too serious to be driving KITT around… If we can wish for Morena Baccarin as Wonder Woman, why can’t we get Nathan Fillion as Michael Knight? Perfect combination of matter-of-factness and what-the-hell-is-going-on….
Heck, while we’re at it, steal Jewel Staite back from “Stargate:Atlantis” – and have her play the sexy mechanic that works on KITT and fends off Michael’s advances…
The Jager has spoken…
I’m totally on board with Nathan Fillion as Michael Knight. He is very underrated and after watching the episodes of Drive, can totally picture him behind the wheel of KITT.
Good call, Jager; Nathan Fillion is a fantastic suggestion. (I like Livingston, also, but Fillion feels like a better fit.)
I know he is to busy and big for it, but Will Smith would be my pick.
Nathan Fillion!!
Nathan Fillion!!
Nathan Fillion!!
Hrm. You know, if they are going to have two cars (a KITT evil or mercanary clone), why not have the driver female? Call the other car KATT
That’ll put a whole different dynamic on the system… Plus, that way, GOLIATH could be a tank version; sort of a boss battle for the two cars.
Worked for Starbuck.
Nathan Fillion could definitely do the part – not necessarily because of Drive, but because he has the attitude and the look.
Jessica Alba! Who said it had to be played by a man?
I’d love to se Nathan Fillion in it, mostly because I’d like to see him in something with a little bit of an edge and a little less Wisteria.
Adam Baldwin or Steve Bacic. Mr. Knight’s a macho man, and he needs a tough actor with a softer side. Both actors would be choice for this role.
As for Captain tightpants Nate Fillon? He’s had the lead now in TWO shows that failed to produce a 2nd season so he’s out for now.
IMHO, the best moment is still that badazz intro! The music was awesome enough to be sampled several times over. I still play the original pilot theme on my Vespa’s Buzz Scooter Stereo System, and it never fails to turn heads.
Thank god for NBC! They revived Galactica (into something better than the original), brought back the Bionic Woman (also better than the original), remade Flash Gordon (sucky, but at least they tried it), and now Knight Rider.
All that’s left is for Buck Rogers to come back. Gil Gerard was okay but could never do that character justice. Popwatch Genie, do your stuff and give me a remake of the 25th century!
adriene garnier
James Marsters. Hands down he’d be my pick.