The Gladiators reboot, which has proved a huge hit for the BBC, has been handed a second season.
Ahead of this weekend’s final, the BBC said its first episode is now its biggest entertainment launch for nearly a decade and has almost reached 10M viewers after 28 days.
The first series hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh has seen 16 new superhuman Gladiators: Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury quickly become household names as viewers cheer on favorites as they compete against contenders in iconic events such as duel and powerball, culminating in the iconic eliminator.
Gladiators was a hit for ITV in the 1990s but hadn’t been on British screens for nearly 25 years apart from a brief return in 2008. The commission came alongside a string of reboots that have garnered varying degrees of success including Big Brother,...
Ahead of this weekend’s final, the BBC said its first episode is now its biggest entertainment launch for nearly a decade and has almost reached 10M viewers after 28 days.
The first series hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh has seen 16 new superhuman Gladiators: Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury quickly become household names as viewers cheer on favorites as they compete against contenders in iconic events such as duel and powerball, culminating in the iconic eliminator.
Gladiators was a hit for ITV in the 1990s but hadn’t been on British screens for nearly 25 years apart from a brief return in 2008. The commission came alongside a string of reboots that have garnered varying degrees of success including Big Brother,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Maroon 5 headlined the One805LIVE! Music Festival fundraiser at Kevin Costner's estate near Summerland on Friday, September 22. Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex presented the annual Heart of the Community Awards that recognize incredible contributions to the first responder community.
“We were absolutely delighted that internationally well-known residents of Santa Barbara County including Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Costner and more supported Santa Barbara County’s First Responders, by joining us at One805LIVE! this year," said Kirsten Cavendish, CEO and Co-Founder of One805.
In addition to Maroon 5, the musical Line-up included legendary singer and songwriter John Fogerty the founder of the band Creedence Clearwater Revival for which he was the lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter.
Also, Santa Barbara’s own Dishwalla, Alan Parsons OBE, David Pack (Ambrosia), Elliott Easton (Cars) and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter...
“We were absolutely delighted that internationally well-known residents of Santa Barbara County including Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Costner and more supported Santa Barbara County’s First Responders, by joining us at One805LIVE! this year," said Kirsten Cavendish, CEO and Co-Founder of One805.
In addition to Maroon 5, the musical Line-up included legendary singer and songwriter John Fogerty the founder of the band Creedence Clearwater Revival for which he was the lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter.
Also, Santa Barbara’s own Dishwalla, Alan Parsons OBE, David Pack (Ambrosia), Elliott Easton (Cars) and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter...
- 9/29/2023
- Look to the Stars
Doctor Who star Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh are to host the BBC’s rebooted Gladiators.
The show, which hasn’t aired in the UK for almost 25 years, is coming back later this year along with another rebooted show, Survivors, on the BBC.
Bradley Walsh, who also hosts ITV’s The Chase and the BBC’s rebooted Blankety Blank, will take the reins alongside son Barney Walsh. The pair have hosted ITV’s successful documentary format Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, in which they travel around the world.
Bradley Walsh’s wife Donna Walsh was head choreographer for the original Gladiators cheerleaders and Bradley Walsh also competed in a ‘Celebrities vs Jockeys’ special in 1997.
In the rebooted Gladiators, which is produced by Hungry Bear and MGM Television UK, a new generation of superhuman Gladiators will compete against contenders in a test of speed and strength. Brand new games...
The show, which hasn’t aired in the UK for almost 25 years, is coming back later this year along with another rebooted show, Survivors, on the BBC.
Bradley Walsh, who also hosts ITV’s The Chase and the BBC’s rebooted Blankety Blank, will take the reins alongside son Barney Walsh. The pair have hosted ITV’s successful documentary format Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, in which they travel around the world.
Bradley Walsh’s wife Donna Walsh was head choreographer for the original Gladiators cheerleaders and Bradley Walsh also competed in a ‘Celebrities vs Jockeys’ special in 1997.
In the rebooted Gladiators, which is produced by Hungry Bear and MGM Television UK, a new generation of superhuman Gladiators will compete against contenders in a test of speed and strength. Brand new games...
- 5/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Liz Fania Werner and Carlos Montaner's Waking Karma will be heading to VOD in North Ameica on January 26th from XYZ Films. Starring, Michael Madsen and Hannah Christine Shetler, we have a look at the first trailer!
Filmmakers Carlos Montaner and Liz Fania Werner's thrilling new feature expertly combines paranoia and suspense into a psychologically destructive journey through the unknown. Coupled with dynamite performances from Michael Madsen and Hannah Christine Shetler, Waking Karma is primed to explode when it arrives on January 26th.
Karma and her mother have spent their lives evading Paul, her cult leader father (Michael Madsen). With Paul closing in as Karma reaches adulthood, she and her mother flee to a friend’s remote compound.
Paul tracks them there and traps them within its walls, putting Karma through a series of escalating tests designed to break her spirit and awaken an unholy inheritance that lives within her.
Filmmakers Carlos Montaner and Liz Fania Werner's thrilling new feature expertly combines paranoia and suspense into a psychologically destructive journey through the unknown. Coupled with dynamite performances from Michael Madsen and Hannah Christine Shetler, Waking Karma is primed to explode when it arrives on January 26th.
Karma and her mother have spent their lives evading Paul, her cult leader father (Michael Madsen). With Paul closing in as Karma reaches adulthood, she and her mother flee to a friend’s remote compound.
Paul tracks them there and traps them within its walls, putting Karma through a series of escalating tests designed to break her spirit and awaken an unholy inheritance that lives within her.
- 1/11/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
XYZ Films has let Bloody Disgusting know they will be releasing Liz Fania Werner and Carlos Montaner‘s dark thriller Waking Karma on North American VOD on January 26th.
A tale of buried family secrets and unbridled religious fanaticism, the psychological thriller stars award-winning actor Michael Madsen.
“Filmmakers Carlos Montaner and Liz Fania Werner’s thrilling new feature expertly combines paranoia and suspense into a psychologically destructive journey through the unknown. Coupled with dynamite performances from Michael Madsen and Hannah Christine Shetler, Waking Karma is primed to explode when it arrives on January 26th.”
Exclusively watch the Waking Karma trailer below.
In the film, “Karma and her mother have spent their lives evading Paul, her cult leader father (Michael Madsen). With Paul closing in as Karma reaches adulthood, she and her mother flee to a friend’s remote compound.
“Paul tracks them there and traps them within its walls, putting...
A tale of buried family secrets and unbridled religious fanaticism, the psychological thriller stars award-winning actor Michael Madsen.
“Filmmakers Carlos Montaner and Liz Fania Werner’s thrilling new feature expertly combines paranoia and suspense into a psychologically destructive journey through the unknown. Coupled with dynamite performances from Michael Madsen and Hannah Christine Shetler, Waking Karma is primed to explode when it arrives on January 26th.”
Exclusively watch the Waking Karma trailer below.
In the film, “Karma and her mother have spent their lives evading Paul, her cult leader father (Michael Madsen). With Paul closing in as Karma reaches adulthood, she and her mother flee to a friend’s remote compound.
“Paul tracks them there and traps them within its walls, putting...
- 1/11/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Production has begun on a Canadian tech-horror called Romi, from director Robert Cuffley. Based on his short film by the same name the story is about a young woman on the run is forced to hide out in a tricked out smart home. The digital assistant, the titular Romi, does not take kindly to their visit. Romi stars Alexa Barajas from Yellowjackets with Juan Riedinger (Narcos) and Pavel Kriz (Mission Impossible). Friends at Raven Banner Entertainment are handling international sales while freshly forged Canadian distributor Red Water Entertainment will dish it out here at home. Avi Federgreen of Red Water is also on board as an executive producer along with John Ferraro of Valleywood Entertainment. Shooting has begun on acclaimed Canadian...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 5/26/2022
- Screen Anarchy
Mike Henry, a former NFL linebacker and actor known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s, has died. He was 84.
Henry died Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after many years of dealing with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease brought on by the head injuries in the NFL and at the University of Southern California.
He traded football for acting and went on to star in the Tarzan films of the 1960s and worked alongside Burt Reynolds in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies.
Henry grew up in East Los Angeles. In high school, former city council member John Ferraro saw him play football and facilitated his tryout for USC’s football team. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, for which he played from 1958 to 1961. Wanting to try his luck with acting, Henry requested a transfer to play for the Los Angeles Rams.
In...
Henry died Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after many years of dealing with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease brought on by the head injuries in the NFL and at the University of Southern California.
He traded football for acting and went on to star in the Tarzan films of the 1960s and worked alongside Burt Reynolds in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies.
Henry grew up in East Los Angeles. In high school, former city council member John Ferraro saw him play football and facilitated his tryout for USC’s football team. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, for which he played from 1958 to 1961. Wanting to try his luck with acting, Henry requested a transfer to play for the Los Angeles Rams.
In...
- 2/4/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Labonge, an ebullient city councilman who served a district spanning Hollywood, the Universal City area, and the Greek Theater in Los Feliz from 2001 to 2015, died Thursday of unknown causes at his Silver Lake home. He was 67 and was known as “Mr. Los Angeles” for his vast knowledge of the city and its history.
A 39-year veteran of Los Angeles politics, Labonge was a huge supporter of Griffith Park, working to expand its size by hundreds of acres and protect its wilder parts from development. He had a passion for constituent events, often handing out loaves of pumpkin bread baked by local nuns.
Among Labonge’s background was time spent as the chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging committee
“He was such an irrepressible cheerleader for Los Angeles — a walking encyclopedia of all the amazing things and spots and neighborhoods and institutions in L.A.,” said Councilman Mike...
A 39-year veteran of Los Angeles politics, Labonge was a huge supporter of Griffith Park, working to expand its size by hundreds of acres and protect its wilder parts from development. He had a passion for constituent events, often handing out loaves of pumpkin bread baked by local nuns.
Among Labonge’s background was time spent as the chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging committee
“He was such an irrepressible cheerleader for Los Angeles — a walking encyclopedia of all the amazing things and spots and neighborhoods and institutions in L.A.,” said Councilman Mike...
- 1/9/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
I used to watch American Gladiators all the time when I was growing up! I used to love that show! I even set up an obstacle course in my back yard once that I made my brothers run through as a shot pennies at them with a slingshot. The show was obviously a great influence on me when I was a kid. Now it might be a great influence on our own kids!
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are currently looking to revive the series with MGM and producer John Ferraro and they have been shopping it around to networks. The series will pit everyday people against big buff athletes and it will involve different challenges.
The original American Gladiator was a big hit and ran for almost seven years from 1989 to 1996. It was later in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts, but it wasn't that good. Maybe...
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are currently looking to revive the series with MGM and producer John Ferraro and they have been shopping it around to networks. The series will pit everyday people against big buff athletes and it will involve different challenges.
The original American Gladiator was a big hit and ran for almost seven years from 1989 to 1996. It was later in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts, but it wasn't that good. Maybe...
- 8/8/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
A member of the Goldbergs clan is going to experience a case of the Molly Ringwalds: The ABC comedy’s Season 6 premiere will pay tribute to the John Hughes film Sixteen Candles.
The episode — airing Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8/7c — centers on Adam’s 16th birthday. Unfortunately for him, “his parents are too distracted by Barry and Lainey’s engagement and Erica’s band ambitions to remember their youngest son’s big day,” the official description reads. “But the situation presents an opportunity for Adam to ask Erica to put him on the high school social map.”
The series’ past homages...
The episode — airing Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8/7c — centers on Adam’s 16th birthday. Unfortunately for him, “his parents are too distracted by Barry and Lainey’s engagement and Erica’s band ambitions to remember their youngest son’s big day,” the official description reads. “But the situation presents an opportunity for Adam to ask Erica to put him on the high school social map.”
The series’ past homages...
- 8/7/2018
- TVLine.com
“American Gladiators” may be the next show to get the revival treatment.
The physical competition series — which pit everyday contestants against celebrities on an obstacle course — is being shopped around to networks by studio MGM Television, with Seth Rogen and his producing partner Evan Goldberg expected to executive produce, an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
John Ferraro, the producer behind the original series, is also attached to the revival.
“American Gladiators” ran in syndication from 1989 to 1996 in syndication by studio Samuel Goldwyn Television (now MGM Television) and Ferraro. The series was briefly revived at NBC in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts.
The revival would join a long list of shows that have either already been brought back or are currently in the works,...
The physical competition series — which pit everyday contestants against celebrities on an obstacle course — is being shopped around to networks by studio MGM Television, with Seth Rogen and his producing partner Evan Goldberg expected to executive produce, an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
John Ferraro, the producer behind the original series, is also attached to the revival.
“American Gladiators” ran in syndication from 1989 to 1996 in syndication by studio Samuel Goldwyn Television (now MGM Television) and Ferraro. The series was briefly revived at NBC in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts.
The revival would join a long list of shows that have either already been brought back or are currently in the works,...
- 8/7/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Exclusive: A revival of the popular physical competition show American Gladiators, which pits everyday people against famous athletes through an obstacle course is being shopped around by MGM. John Ferraro, the producer of the original Ag, is involved as are Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg who are expected to serve as executive producers.
The original American Gladiator was a hit and ran for almost seven years from 1989 to 1996 in syndication; that was produced and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Television with Ferraro. American Gladiators then was revived again in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts.
The American Gladiators series was considered a syndication darling, repeatedly racking up ratings for its time slot and was so successful that other programs ended up spinning off from it to try to cash in on that momentum. We hear that MGM is currently talking to distributors who are interested in the revival.
MGM Television,...
The original American Gladiator was a hit and ran for almost seven years from 1989 to 1996 in syndication; that was produced and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Television with Ferraro. American Gladiators then was revived again in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as hosts.
The American Gladiators series was considered a syndication darling, repeatedly racking up ratings for its time slot and was so successful that other programs ended up spinning off from it to try to cash in on that momentum. We hear that MGM is currently talking to distributors who are interested in the revival.
MGM Television,...
- 8/7/2018
- by Anita Busch and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
American Gladiators could stage another comeback. Rights holder MGM Television is developing a revival with co-creator John Ferraro, and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg onboard as executive producers.
A perfect example of reality IP that hasn’t been looked at in a while, the original series was a blend of WWE wrestling and American Ninja Warrior — successfully airing in syndication from 1989 to 1996. There was a primetime revival in 2008, what proved to be a calling card of the Ben Silverman era at NBC, which saw initial success as a schedule filler during the writers strike but ultimately only ...
A perfect example of reality IP that hasn’t been looked at in a while, the original series was a blend of WWE wrestling and American Ninja Warrior — successfully airing in syndication from 1989 to 1996. There was a primetime revival in 2008, what proved to be a calling card of the Ben Silverman era at NBC, which saw initial success as a schedule filler during the writers strike but ultimately only ...
Variety.com is reporting that screenwriter Peter Iliff (”Patriot Games,” “Varsity Blues,” and “Under Suspicion”) has been tapped to pen an adaptation of the hit action gameshow “American Gladiators” for the big screen. The story would focus on the TV show’s characters as super-powered superheroes. “American Gladiators” first debuted on TV in 1988 and has since been broadcast in more than 90 countries around the world. NBC recently revived the show in 2008, in which contestants battle against the Gladiators in physical and athletic challenges. Scott Mednick is producing, and “American Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is on board for the projects, which is being targeted for a tentative 2011 [...]...
- 11/22/2009
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Writer Peter Iliff has been hired to adapt a big-screen version of "American Gladiators."The film, which will feature the muscle-bound characters as superheroes, will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been broadcast in more than 90 countries. NBC aired a primetime revival of the show in 2008.According to Variety, Scott Mednick is producing, and "American Gladiators" creator Johnny Ferraro is executive producing.Mednick is shooting for a 2011 release.Iliff wrote the 1991 cult surfer film "Point Break" and recently wrote a sequel to the film which will be directed by Jeff Wadlow.
- 11/21/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
A screenwriter has signed for the impossible task of bringing TV’s “American Gladiators” to the big screen.
Peter Iliff (Varsity Blues, Point Break) believes he’s man enough to take on the adaptation. “Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is producing with the help of Scott Mednick (who is also reviving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Variety reports the story will center on the Gladiators as superheroes, which is news to me because I was certain Nitro was some sort of modern-day Hercules. Now I find out he’s just a muscle-bound actor and my memories are tarnished. This is just like last year when I found out Michelle from “Full House” somehow grew into twin skeletons. Next you’re going to tell me reality television is staged.
When the project was originally announced in May 2009, Ferraro saw it as a “compelling story” that would introduce a new set of characters.
Peter Iliff (Varsity Blues, Point Break) believes he’s man enough to take on the adaptation. “Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is producing with the help of Scott Mednick (who is also reviving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Variety reports the story will center on the Gladiators as superheroes, which is news to me because I was certain Nitro was some sort of modern-day Hercules. Now I find out he’s just a muscle-bound actor and my memories are tarnished. This is just like last year when I found out Michelle from “Full House” somehow grew into twin skeletons. Next you’re going to tell me reality television is staged.
When the project was originally announced in May 2009, Ferraro saw it as a “compelling story” that would introduce a new set of characters.
- 11/20/2009
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Last May, I told you that Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the "American Gladiators" TV show, was bringing his property to the big screen! (See Coming Soon to Theaters Near You -- "American Gladiators" The Movie! Yeah, "American Gladiators," May 12, 2009)
You probably thought I was lying, but hold on, a writer has been hired!
Peter Iliff will write the big screen version of "American Gladiators."
Variety told us that the story "which will feature the Herculean characters as superheroes, will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been broadcast in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime revival of the show in 2008."
Scott Mednick ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") is producing and he's targeting to release the film sometime in 2011.
Iliff previously wrote "Patriot Games," "Varsity Blues," "Under Suspicion," and "Point Break."
Gosh,...
You probably thought I was lying, but hold on, a writer has been hired!
Peter Iliff will write the big screen version of "American Gladiators."
Variety told us that the story "which will feature the Herculean characters as superheroes, will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been broadcast in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime revival of the show in 2008."
Scott Mednick ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") is producing and he's targeting to release the film sometime in 2011.
Iliff previously wrote "Patriot Games," "Varsity Blues," "Under Suspicion," and "Point Break."
Gosh,...
- 11/20/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Imagine an alternate universe where American Gladiators never came to your television set. Instead it was showing at every multiplex across the country. That was the original dream of show creator Johnny Ferraro, and now it might actually happen. I feel a bit like Egon from Ghostbusters passing this information along from Tobin's Spirit Guide.
Variety reports that indeed an American Gladiators movie is in the works, and that the "goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created." You mean like, a gym where people take swings at each other with giant padded q-tips? Stranger things have probably happened in the movie world, but I'm scratching my head to come up with one that's gone down this route.
The film will be produced by Scott Mednick, formerly of Legendary Pictures, with Martin Guigui of Sunset Pictures, Joe Allegro, and Johnny Ferraro serving as executive producers.
Variety reports that indeed an American Gladiators movie is in the works, and that the "goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created." You mean like, a gym where people take swings at each other with giant padded q-tips? Stranger things have probably happened in the movie world, but I'm scratching my head to come up with one that's gone down this route.
The film will be produced by Scott Mednick, formerly of Legendary Pictures, with Martin Guigui of Sunset Pictures, Joe Allegro, and Johnny Ferraro serving as executive producers.
- 5/13/2009
- by Kevin Kelly
- Cinematical
Yeesh. In the long history of ridiculous movie ideas, this one might take the taco as the most absurd of them all. Variety is reporting that “American Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is keen on bringing his average Joe vs. muscleman TV franchise to the silver screen. Uhhhhh… what?!
Scott Mednick, former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer and confirmed producer on the adaptation told Variety that “the goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created.” Exactly what world he’s referring to is anyone’s guess. “American Gladiators” has always been a game show. The titular musclebound gladiators all sport short, punchy pseudonyms like “Blaze” and “Laser,” but there’s no fiction built around them. The series has always been a physical challenge-oriented game show in which contestants compete against one another while fending off the ever-disruptive gladiators.
One fact revealed by Ferraro...
Scott Mednick, former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer and confirmed producer on the adaptation told Variety that “the goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created.” Exactly what world he’s referring to is anyone’s guess. “American Gladiators” has always been a game show. The titular musclebound gladiators all sport short, punchy pseudonyms like “Blaze” and “Laser,” but there’s no fiction built around them. The series has always been a physical challenge-oriented game show in which contestants compete against one another while fending off the ever-disruptive gladiators.
One fact revealed by Ferraro...
- 5/12/2009
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
Grappling TV game show American Gladiators is heading to the big screen, in a new live action movie.
The show, in which members of the public take on muscle-bound gladiators in a series of events, debuted in the U.S. in 1988 and has since appeared in more than 90 countries.
Creator Johnny Ferraro, who claims he first conceived the idea as a movie, is now fulfilling his ambition with the help of 300 producer Scott Mesnick.
Mesnick tells Daily Variety, "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters."...
The show, in which members of the public take on muscle-bound gladiators in a series of events, debuted in the U.S. in 1988 and has since appeared in more than 90 countries.
Creator Johnny Ferraro, who claims he first conceived the idea as a movie, is now fulfilling his ambition with the help of 300 producer Scott Mesnick.
Mesnick tells Daily Variety, "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters."...
- 5/12/2009
- WENN
I think it’s safe to say Hollywood is out of good ideas. According to Variety, a movie based on the TV show “American Gladiators” is in development. Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the series that started in 1988, is bringing a live-action adaptation to the screen with the help of producer Scott Mednick (who is also reviving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
No script has been written yet, but the goal is to create a story inside the world Ferraro created. “I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters,” Mednick said.
Am I missing something? Wasn’t this just a physically challenging game show? Is Nitro really a character? Were people really wanting to know what Blaze had to say? I’d rather watch a movie consisting only of people trying to come up with a decent story for the Gladiators. Besides,...
No script has been written yet, but the goal is to create a story inside the world Ferraro created. “I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters,” Mednick said.
Am I missing something? Wasn’t this just a physically challenging game show? Is Nitro really a character? Were people really wanting to know what Blaze had to say? I’d rather watch a movie consisting only of people trying to come up with a decent story for the Gladiators. Besides,...
- 5/12/2009
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
“American Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is working on a live-action adaptation of the long-lived TV show for theaters, reports Variety.
According to Ferraro, the show was originally conceived as a film but it “took a detour and became a TV phenomenon.” After first airing in 1988, “American Gladiators” has been on the air every year except one in the pas 20 years and has aired in more than 90 countries.
Scott Mednick, who will produce the film said, “I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters.”
I could understand a documentary about “American Gladiators” but I’m not entirely sure what type of story they will add to make this into a real film. I guess they are just giving the people what they want. If you remember at the end of Tommy Boy Helen the waitress says, “Do you guys want to watch this...
According to Ferraro, the show was originally conceived as a film but it “took a detour and became a TV phenomenon.” After first airing in 1988, “American Gladiators” has been on the air every year except one in the pas 20 years and has aired in more than 90 countries.
Scott Mednick, who will produce the film said, “I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters.”
I could understand a documentary about “American Gladiators” but I’m not entirely sure what type of story they will add to make this into a real film. I guess they are just giving the people what they want. If you remember at the end of Tommy Boy Helen the waitress says, “Do you guys want to watch this...
- 5/12/2009
- by David Pohl
- The Scorecard Review
TV's "American Gladiators" is invading the big screen. The now-defunct TV series, which ran from 1989 to 1996 and as a reality competition show in 2008, is being developed into a film feature.
Co-creator Johnny Ferraro will be developing a live-action adaptation of the former hit show, which is planned as an "action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created."
Ferraro said that the show was originally conceived as a film, but the project "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon."
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick, who is producing the film, tells Variety, "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters."...
Co-creator Johnny Ferraro will be developing a live-action adaptation of the former hit show, which is planned as an "action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created."
Ferraro said that the show was originally conceived as a film, but the project "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon."
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick, who is producing the film, tells Variety, "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters."...
- 5/12/2009
- icelebz.com
Johnny Ferraro, creator of the "American Gladiators" TV franchise, is bringing a live-action adaptation of the property to the big screen. The goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created. The film will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been on the air every year except one during the past 20 years. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime installment in 2008. The show has aired in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them. Ferraro noted "American Gladiators" was originally conceived as a film, but the property "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon."...
- 5/12/2009
- WorstPreviews.com
Johnny Ferraro, President and CEO of Flor-Jon Films, Inc., and the creator of the "American Gladiators" TV franchise, has announced the development of a major motion picture based on the world of "American Gladiators" targeted for a 2011 release. The project will be produced by Scott Mednick ( 300 , Superman Returns , 10,000 B.C. , the upcoming Where The Wild Things Are and the recently announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ) and funded through Sunset Pictures, with Sunset's President, Martin Guigui, Joe Allegro and Johnny Ferraro as Executive Producers. Ferraro initially conceived the brand as a motion picture in 1982 but when the project detoured to television a phenomenon was born. It has remained on the air for 19 of the last 20 years in 90 countries,...
- 5/12/2009
- Comingsoon.net
While I was a huge fan of the early-90s "American Gladiators," I only watched the new NBC series once before I realized how stupid it was (and yes I'm fully aware the original was stupid too but it wasn't nearly as over-the-top). If a new series of "American Gladiator" failed to catch on with the American public, what promise does a movie hold? Yes, a movie. Johnny Ferraro, creator of "American Gladiators" is moving forward on a feature adaptation of the...
- 5/12/2009
- by Mike Sampson
- JoBlo.com
Are you ready for this? Johnny Ferraro, creator of the "American Gladiators" TV game show, is bringing a live-action adaptation of the property to the big screen. The film will be specifically based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been on the air ever since then. Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is producing this new American Gladiators. The goal is to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created. "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters," Mednick said. Believe it or not, this is really happening. Ferraro claims that "American Gladiators" was originally conceived as a film, but the property "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon." Really? Can anyone tell me how this would work as a movie, at all? I'm sorry to say, for those of...
- 5/12/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Long-running TV series, "American Gladiators", is getting a big screen treatment. Variety reported that
former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is developing an idea based on the hit television show about a cast of amateur athletes who go up against each other in a competition of strength and agility.
It was further noted that producers are looking forward to "create an action story that takes place inside the world" that series creator Johnny Ferraro has developed for the show. Mednick, in addition, promised that the film version will introduce new characters. "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters," so he claimed.
"American Gladiators" TV series was first aired in 1988 and has been on the air for the past 20 years. Johnny Ferraro said that the show was originally thought of as a film, but instead became a television phenomenon. The movie version,...
former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is developing an idea based on the hit television show about a cast of amateur athletes who go up against each other in a competition of strength and agility.
It was further noted that producers are looking forward to "create an action story that takes place inside the world" that series creator Johnny Ferraro has developed for the show. Mednick, in addition, promised that the film version will introduce new characters. "I look forward to creating a compelling story that launches a whole new set of characters," so he claimed.
"American Gladiators" TV series was first aired in 1988 and has been on the air for the past 20 years. Johnny Ferraro said that the show was originally thought of as a film, but instead became a television phenomenon. The movie version,...
- 5/12/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
When American Gladiators returned to television last year for the first time since 1996, it was a huge hit. The show only got a limited run but show creator Johnny Ferraro has convinced Sunset Pictures to give him enough money to bring it back again, this time as a feature film. This probably should be the place where I make fun of anyone who likes American Gladiators, but I'm not going to do that. When I was eleven, I thought it was fantastic. American Gladiators was appointment television in my house. It was like wrestling, but with all the really stupid, soap-opera like storylines edited out and with more gadgets. Who doesn't like gadgets? Now I'm older and I've been fed a steady diet of modern reality television and the whole thing just seems ridiculous, but I get why kids might still be interested in it. What I don't get is...
- 5/12/2009
- cinemablend.com
I'm trying to figure out exactly what form this will take, but perhaps I'm overthinking it: American Gladiators will become a feature film. Not a documentary, but an honest-to-goodness dramatic adaptation of one of the first competition shows on television.
Show creator Johnny Ferraro is working with former Legendary Picture marketing executive Scott Mednick to bring the weekly David vs. Goliath battles to a theater near you. All we can tell you is that the film will bring characters into an action story that takes place in the world of the Gladiators.
Here's where it gets interesting...well, relatively. Ferraro tells Variety that American Gladiators was first envisioned as a film but then "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon." The show originally aired in 1988, when steroids, mullets, and spandex were decidedly more socially acceptable, and it enjoyed a revival on NBC in 2008. That version was co-hosted by Hulk Hogan,...
Show creator Johnny Ferraro is working with former Legendary Picture marketing executive Scott Mednick to bring the weekly David vs. Goliath battles to a theater near you. All we can tell you is that the film will bring characters into an action story that takes place in the world of the Gladiators.
Here's where it gets interesting...well, relatively. Ferraro tells Variety that American Gladiators was first envisioned as a film but then "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon." The show originally aired in 1988, when steroids, mullets, and spandex were decidedly more socially acceptable, and it enjoyed a revival on NBC in 2008. That version was co-hosted by Hulk Hogan,...
- 5/12/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Well, here's a thing.The producers of American Gladiators want to make the hit TV show (better known in its UK incarnation simply as "Gladiators") into a feature film. Yes, we're talking about t Gladiators, with Ulrika Johnson and Jon Fashnu, headed for the big screen.Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the show, wants to make an action film "that takes place inside the world that Ferraro has created". The producer promises a compelling story that introduces a whole new set of characters - we're hoping personally that there's a bomb inside one of the Atlaspheres or something that our hero (whoever) and the Gladiators have to team up to defuse, preferably by racing to a detonator that's, let's say, at the end of the Eliminator course.Ferraro says that the show was originally developed as a film, so this is a return to its 20 year-old roots rather than a new departure,...
- 5/12/2009
- EmpireOnline
Like American Gladiator? I for one am prone to the female athletes of the sport, and can only wonder what female actresses might be cast for the upcoming film. That's right, a live-action adaptation is coming.
American Gladiators: The Movie
Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the American Gladiators TV franchise, is taking the steps necessary to bring the show to the silverscreen. While no plot ideas have been scribbled out, the overall idea is to have an action story take place within the show.
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick, who's onboard to produce, had this to say about it:...
American Gladiators: The Movie
Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the American Gladiators TV franchise, is taking the steps necessary to bring the show to the silverscreen. While no plot ideas have been scribbled out, the overall idea is to have an action story take place within the show.
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick, who's onboard to produce, had this to say about it:...
- 5/12/2009
- www.canmag.com
Growing up as a kid in the '80s, American Gladiators was must-see TV. Watching underdog challengers like Wesley "Two Scoops" Berry go up against mammoth bodybuilders in the most ridiculous events ever invented was pretty awesome at the time, and in retrospect, kind of a precursor to some of the reality and game shows that we see on TV today. When NBC brought American Gladiators back in 2008, it seemed like a great idea... until everyone got bored of it after the first few episodes. I lost interest completely after going to a live taping of the show in L.A., which was basically the most boring three or four hours of my life. Anyway, this whole preamble is merely to help set the stage for the most hilarious news story we've heard in a while: that's right, they're making an American Gladiators feature film! According to Variety [1], series creator...
- 5/12/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
I almost fell out of my chair reading that Johnny Ferraro, the creator of the "American Gladiators" TV show, is bringing his property to the big screen!
All together now...What?
And what will be the plot?
Read on my lovely readers, and start thinking of various plots for this unthinkable project!
According to Variety:
Johnny Ferraro, creator of the "American Gladiators" TV franchise, is bringing a live-action adaptation of the property to the bigscreen.
The film will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been on the air every year except one during the past 20 years. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime installment in 2008. The show has aired in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them.
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is producing "American Gladiators." The goal is to create an action story that...
All together now...What?
And what will be the plot?
Read on my lovely readers, and start thinking of various plots for this unthinkable project!
According to Variety:
Johnny Ferraro, creator of the "American Gladiators" TV franchise, is bringing a live-action adaptation of the property to the bigscreen.
The film will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been on the air every year except one during the past 20 years. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime installment in 2008. The show has aired in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them.
Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is producing "American Gladiators." The goal is to create an action story that...
- 5/12/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
It seems ideas are still running thin throughout Hollywood as Johnny Ferraro, creator of the American Gladiators TV franchise, is bringing a live-action adaptation of the property to the big screen. The film will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been on the air every year except one during the past 20 years. Most recently, NBC aired a primetime installment in 2008. The show has aired in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them. Former Legendary Pictures chief marketing officer Scott Mednick is producing American Gladiators, with the goal being to create an action story that takes place inside the world Ferraro has created. Ferraro noted American Gladiators was originally conceived as a film, but the property "took a detour and became a TV phenomenon”. Mednick, who recently began developing a film installment in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise,...
- 5/12/2009
- by James Cook
- TheMovingPicture.net
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