It’s time for another TV to movie makeover, this time with Lionsgate UK teaming up with Eight Wonder PIctures to bring the classic 70s Brit crime series, The Professionals, to cinemas. Let’s hope this idea has more luck than the long gestating film version of The Sweeney, which keeps percolating but never seems to get made.
According to the press release announcing the film, ‘The Professionals will be an exhilarating, emotionally-charged action-thriller that re-forges the seminal TV series for a new generation.
‘The Professionals will see ex-Spec Ops Mercenary Bodie and Counter Terrorism Detective Doyle burst back onto screens in this blistering origin story that sees the iconic characters unite in their first mission for covert British Security Unit CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5).’
I think it’s safe to say then that Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins won’t be reprising their iconic roles in this new version of Brian Clemen’s cult creation, although as yet there’s no news on who may play the all-action crime-fighters.
“The Professionals was such an iconic British crime series that it’s a fantastic opportunity for Lionsgate to be able to bring it to the big screen for the first time,” said Zygi Kamasa, Chief Executive, Lionsgate UK. “This production will combine the wit and fast paced action of the original TV series but also completely reinvent it for a new, modern audience and we’re really looking forward to working with talented producers Callum (MacDougall – Quantum Of Solace, Warth Of The Titans) and Richard (Whelan – Captain America) on the film.”
Production is due to start in the UK later this year.