“Fantasy Island” will be making dreams come true again.
Fox has given a straight-to-series order for a modern update of the classic ‘70s television series, reported Deadline.
The reboot is being spearheaded by writers and executive producers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain, who previously worked on “The 100,” “Angel” and “The Shield,” and is expected to premiere in summer 2021.
“In continuing to develop outside of the traditional broadcast cycle, we’ve been particularly focused on providing viewers with summer series that offer a true escape from everyday life – to be sure, now so more than ever,” said Fox Entertainment President Michael Thorn. “Fantasy Island is a beloved program, and the world Liz and Sarah have created for this contemporary adaptation is signature Fox and a perfect show for today’s times. After all, who among us wouldn’t take a (safe) trip to Fantasy Island right now?”
The original series aired for seven seasons on ABC from 1977 - 1984 and starred Ricardo Montalban as the mysterious island’s suave host, Mr. Roarke, and Hervé Villechaize as his assistant, Tattoo. The opening included Villechaize announcing the arrival of the island's guests by shouting, "The Plane! The Plane!"
In each episode, the pair would help actualize the wishes of the island’s visitors.
This isn’t the first time the series has been rebooted. Back in 1998, ABC aired a revamped version of “Fantasy Island” with Malcolm McDowell as Mr. Roarke and "Riverdale" actress Madchen Amick as his second in command, Ariel. It was canceled after 13 episodes.
Earlier this year, a horror film adaptation was released with “Ant-Man” star Michael Peña in the role of Mr. Roarke.
No casting announcements have been made regarding the upcoming Fox reboot.
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