Paramount Pictures has hired Jeremy Garelick, the co-writer of 'The Break-Up', to rewrite and direct a big screen comedy based on '90s TV show about lifeguards patrolling the beaches of California.
- July 7, 2009
AceShowbiz -
A big screen version of the popular '90s TV series "Baywatch" is happening, and Paramount Pictures has set it up to be a comedy movie. Bringing up to the surface the story was Variety which further claimed that the studio picked up scribe Jeremy Garelick to rewrite the original script written by Jay Scherick and David Ronn which was reportedly heavy on action.
Explaining his vision for the comedy, Garelick shared, "It felt like the template to do a movie that was similar to 'Stripes' and 'Police Academy,' the comedies I loved growing up. Rather than trying to pitch the tone, I figured it would be easier to write the first act to convey who these characters were." Beside rewriting the script, the man who recently did an uncredited rewrite on "The Hangover" and is known for his work in "The Break-Up", will also make his directorial debut with this movie.
Back in 2004, DreamWorks announced plans to bring "Baywatch" to the big screen with director Eli Roth attached to helm. But, it was never materialized. The project was then brought over by Adam Goodman from when he was an executive at DreamWorks. It will be developed by Paramount because the TV show's "built-in global brand awareness that studios look for in potential franchises."
"Baywatch" will be produced by Contrafilm's Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson alongside "Baywatch" creators Michael Berk, Doug Schwartz, Greg Bonann and Michelle Berk. Ditching its straight-up action film idea, it focuses more on the comedic side and will center around two guys that people would never think would be lifeguards.
The TV series itself ran from 1989 to 1999 and spawned a spin-off, "Baywatch: Hawaii". Starred by David Hasselhoff, it was famous for its leading ladies, which included Pamela Anderson and Yasmine Bleeth.
