The next 80s television show to be turned into a movie has been slotted. It’s The Greatest American Hero.
Even if you don’t remember the show, you probably remember the theme song. Hum along: “Believe it or not, I’m walking on air I never thought I could fell so free!” Believe it or not, I actually sang that while I typed it. It’s just one of those songs which, while it may well be awful, worms it’s way into your head and never leaves. The show which the theme song is from debuted in 1981 and was one of the first to put a drama/comedy spin on the whole superhero thing. William Katt starred as Ralph Hinkley, a hapless gym teacher given a “power suit” by a group of aliens. While he’s wearing the suit, he has super powers such as flight, strength, invisibility, and whatever else the writers felt like having him do that week. I remember being utterly in love with the show at the time, but then I was 5.
By now comedic superhero movies are sort of passé, but it should at least be supremely easy to adapt this into a proper movie. Chris Matheson and Ryan Rowe have already written a script, no word on whether or not they actually wrote it in their sleep.
According to Moviehole, a casting call has already gone out around Hollywood alerting would-be tights-wearers that they’re looking for a new Ralph Hinkley. Already locked into the project is Stephen Herek, probably best known for directing Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Mighty Ducks, and Mr. Holland’s Opus . They’re looking for a major name for the project, someone between ages 29 and 39, which leaves the door pretty wide open. They’ll need it open, I have a hard time picturing the Ewan McGregor’s or Colin Farrell’s of the world jumping on this thing. I don’t think Alex Winter is busy. Maybe they’d better give him a call as a backup plan.
And because if you’re like me, I know you’re dying to see it… below I’ve embedded the old intro to The Greatest American Hero. They flying effects are actually a lot better than I remembered them. Ah Connie Sellecca, you still haunt my dreams.
