Cinefantastique Online

Advance poster

According to The Hollywood Reporter,  ITV Studios America and HDFILMS are planning   a re-boot of the 1970’s TV series SPACE: 1999.

The space fantasy show created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (THUNDERBIRDS, UFO) would be re-christened SPACE: 2099 . HDFilms president Jace Hall(the recent ABC  ’V’ re-boot) told them: “Science fiction is a powerful format capable of visualizing the human condition in thought-provoking ways”.

True enough, but the sarcastic genere fan might well wonder  what  that has to do with the often mystically-oriented, and generally divorced-from-scientific-reality focus of SPACE: 1999?

“While we are indeed re-imagining the franchise and bringing something new and relevant to today’s audiences, I feel strongly that some of the overall tones set by the original SPACE: 1999 television show represent an exciting platform to explore possibilities.”

SPACE: 1999 Stars Barbara Bain and Martin Landau

ITV Studios International’s managing director Paul Buccieri said : “After more than 35 years, we are thrilled to be developing a new vision of our much beloved franchise for audiences worldwide. Historically, the SPACE: 1999 brand has entertained and fascinated millions of people.”

Indeed, the show at its best could be very entertaining. Certainly the UK series was often very exciting from a visual standpoint, a step up in dynamic special effects work from previous American sci-fi shows.  George Lucas reportedly charged ILM with making the model work and explosions of STAR WARS as good as SPACE: 1999.

The show is only in development at this time, and has not been shopped to networks. No word thus far whether Gerry Anderson (or his ex-wife Sylvia) will be involved in any any way.