December 08, 2005
CHiPs replaces Erik Estrada
Way back in April we mentioned the CHiPs remake. That's the old TV series, Californian Highway Patrol, starring Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox as the Police bike riders Poncho and Jon. Well now word is out that Poncho has been cast.
It wasn't the original thought from back in April either, we're being told (I caught it through Coming Soon from Variety) that it's set to be Wilmer Valderrama whom some of you will know from That '70's show. [UK writer shrugs]
It's set to be a light hearted and comic remake in the vein of the movie adaptation of Starsky & Hutch. There's two sides to this, that was my staple Saturday evening diet as I grew up and I'd love to see a cool version back on screen, but then the other side of me thinks that it'll be ruined by another light hearted take on the show.
Still what can you do with CHiPs? (Don't say dunk them in brown sauce!) Every episode comprised of a moralistic little tale and a big highway pile up where one of the guys would save the day at great personal risk!
Posted by at December 8, 2005 01:56 PM
Comments
Posted by: Cole at December 8, 2005 03:49 PM
"Ponch" or Poncherello
not Pancho
Posted by: Drewbacca at December 8, 2005 04:42 PM
Brown sauce ? Eww...
Ketchup you mean.
Posted by: Webbie at December 8, 2005 04:48 PM
O wow, a remake of that 70's "Classic" CHIPS!
What a great orginal inspired idea!
I didn't see this one coming!
Yawn!
Posted by: Morbius at December 8, 2005 06:41 PM
There's really just not enough mediocre tongue-in-cheek adaptations of cult 70s TV show around right now...
Posted by: Stuart @ Cinema Blend at December 8, 2005 07:21 PM
This news just makes me relish the idea of the Wienstiens updating "The Equalizer" which WON"T be played for laughs.
Back to CHiPS, Hollywood should wake up. When that show was on, everyone watched it for the stunt/traffic accident of the week. That's it....other than Randi Oakes.
Hey, I wonder who gets the Bruce Jenner role :)
Posted by: darren seeley at December 8, 2005 11:30 PM
What happened to George Lopez and Matthew Perry? I thought they were set to do CHiPs back in April. Who the hell is 'Wilmer Valderrama' ? Didn't he play hockey for the NY Rangers?
Posted by: darko at December 9, 2005 11:25 AM
At first I thought it was good casting since he has the right look. But playing a CHP officer? Isn't the guy in his early 20's?
And even though that 70's show is somehow a hit, does anyone actually watch it? I'm just not sure anyone is going to go out and say "Hey, you want to catch that Wilber Valderamma flick?"