Is a movie version of 'T.J. Hooker' really in the works?

William Shatner as the one and only "T.J. Hooker."

Credit: ABC

Showing that no television property is immune from being remade for the big screen, the 80s police drama "T.J. Hooker" looks like it might make its way to theaters.

According to Variety, Chuck Russell, who curiously hasn't helmed a film since 2002's "The Scorpion King," is in talks to direct and screenwriters are now actively working on a screenplay.  Producers David Foster ("The Fog") Ryan Heppe (new "Short Circuit"), and series creator Rick Husky are shepherding the project.  The trade report does not make it clear whether any studios have the theatrical distribution rights to the series, but the original incarnation ran on ABC for five years before finishing its sixth season on CBS.  Columbia Pictures Television produced the series with Aaron Spelling, but knowing how shrewd Spelling was he probably held on to the movie rights himself which would leave open bidding for Hollywood suitors.

At the time, the series was something of a TV comeback for "Star Trek" star William Shatner who played the title character, a no-nonsense LAPD officer who had a bad habit of getting caught on the hood of moving cars.  The series also found Heather Locklear doing double duty as Officer Stacy Sheridan when she could get time away from her other gig on "Dynasty."  The new movie, which has no actors attached at the moment, is expected to focus on Hooker's relationship with his son.

The project is still in the early stages, but considering all the drama that ensued with Shatner regarding the "Star Trek" reboot,let's hope they reach out to him early and include him in more than a cameo.

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