James Hibberd at The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Fox is developing an American version of the BBC’s Dr. Who spinoff, Torchwood.
No pilot has been ordered yet, but according to the story, Russel T. Davies is developing a script with BBC worldwide productions. There is also speculation that John Barrowman, the actor who plays the lead character Captain Jack Harkness, would reprise his role as Torchwood’s indestructible leader in the U.S. version. What is not clear is whether the Fox version would be a reboot, or a sequel with Torchwood being transferred to America (In their last BBC story, their Cardiff HQ was destroyed).
There is also a post script to the artcle that suggests Fox is also interested in a U.S. version Dr. Who (becasue those have gone over so well in the past). And also a tidbit about David Tenant’s new project “Rex is Not Your Lawyer” for NBC.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
NOOOOOO! American remakes of British shows are always crap! Remember the USA versions of ‘Fawlty Towers’ and ‘The Office’? Don’t even think about it! It’d be like doing a British version of Seinfeld or Star Trek.
Torchwood – like Dr Who – is very idiosyncratically British. A lot of the subtlety would be lost if it was remade for an American market, especially bearing in mind the ‘script-by-committee’ approach to Americasn screenwriting.
Can you imagine USA producers commissioning a show in which the principal male character is actively bisexual and shagging one of the other principal male characters? Imagine pitching that to TV companies within the Bible Belt! Even if they went that far, they would almost certainly insist that the ‘bisexual’ had to be British rather than American (as most USA producers seem to think that the British are all gay, plus he’s got to be obviously different from his colleagues), in which case he couldn’t be played by Barrowman…
Bad idea. Just enjoy the BBC originals, just as we Brits enjoy the USA “Star Trek’s” and “Friends”….
@PaulG
I would give a British version of Seinfeld a shot, but I don’t think the Brits can make a series about “nothing.” Maybe throw in some flatulence jokes, slap a barrister in the face with a wet cod from time to time and have them dress like women and get hit on by their pastor. You know, fine British comedy.
But I do hope they keep Torchwood intact. We shall see.
You forgot the vicar losing his trousers…