Advertisement

‘Italian Job’ Sequel Series, ‘Love Story’ TV Adaptation in the Works at Paramount Plus

UPDATED: A TV series followup to the 1969 film “The Italian Job” is in the works at Paramount Plus, Variety has learned. In addition, the streamer is planning series adaptations of “Love Story,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Parallax View,” and “Flashdance.”

In the “Italian Job” series, when the grandchildren of the legendary Charlie Croker inherit his old safety deposit box, the quest for the infamous Italian bullion is reignited.

More from Variety

The project has received a script-to-series order at the streamer. Matt Wheeler is attached to write and executive produce, with Donald De Line onboard as a producer. Paramount Television Studios will produce. The announcement was made as part of ViacomCBS’ investor day presentation on Wednesday.

De Line was a producer on the 2003 American remake of “The Italian Job.” Wheeler previously co-created the CBS drama series “Salvation.” He most recently served as an executive producer on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-O” reboot. He is repped by APA, Thruline Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

The original “Italian Job” film starred Michael Caine as Croker along with Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, and Maggie Blye. It also featured a soundtrack composed by Quincy Jones and has gone on to achieve cult status since its release. The American remake starred Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton.

There has been talk of a film sequel since the success of the 2003 remake, titled “The Brazilian Job,” but it has never come to fruition. In 2016, NBC and Paramount teamed to develop a series version of the films, though that project also never went beyond the development stages.

“Love Story” hails from Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage under their Fake Empire banner. CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios will produce, with Fake Empire currently under an overall deal at CBS Studios. The film was released in 1970 and starred Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. Lis Rowinski of Fake Empire will also executive produce.

“Fatal Attraction,” based on the 1987 film of the same name, is written by Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin Hynes, with both also executive producing. Amblin Television’s Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank will also executive produce with Stanley Jaffe and Sherry Lansing, who previously produced the film. The film starred Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, with Close earning an Oscar nomnination.

“Parallax View” is based on the 1974 film and 1970 novel of the same name. No writer is currently attached but Paula Wagner will executive produce.

Finally, “Flashdance” is based on the 1983 film. Tracy McMillan is writing the script. Angela Robinson will executive produce and direct the pilot. Lynda Obst, an associate producer on the film, will executive produce.

CBS All Access will be rebranded as Paramount Plus on March 4. Other projects currently in the works at the streamer include a revival of “Criminal Minds,” a prequel series to the Paramount Network show “Yellowstone,” and a revival of MTV’s “The Real World” featuring the original Season 1 cast.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.