Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre

Back to MESSAGE BOARD | REGISTER to POST | HOME

BW remake update

Posted by BroomCloset <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=BroomCloset' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 16, 2014, 11:29 am

re: https://tv.yahoo.com/news/bewitched-remake-eyed-networks-193346600.html

My suggestions to "get it right":

Cast/Samantha: Amy Adams or Christina Applegate
Cast/Darrin: Jim Carry
Cast/Endora: Shirley MacLaine
Cast/other: Erin Murphy, in a leading role not Samantha or Tabitha, but significant other role (maybe Serena, or Samantha's sister).
Producer: Herbie Pilato
Director: Richard Michaels
Writers: Whomever Herbie and Richard hire
Location: Of course, Warner Ranch 1164 and same interior set layout
Style: Remake/continuation starting at end of season 8; NOT a paradoy

Re: BW remake update

Posted by Tiffany <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=Tiffany' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 17, 2014, 10:57 am, in reply to "BW remake update"

I agree with a lot of your choices, especially in regards to the Samantha character. However, they keep remaking/extending a lot of shows that don't seem to do well. The former "Boy Meets World" show is now "Girl Meets World" on the Disney channel and is nowhere near as good as the original. And the re-make "Dallas" series, which I enjoy, was cancelled.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by BroomCloset <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=BroomCloset' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 17, 2014, 1:26 pm, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Tiffany, sounds good. Yes, all remakes face an uphill challenge. Here, they need to tread very carefully. I think it can be done, but you really need people that understand core themes of original Bewitched, or were there to begin with. Writing is key, bring back the same writers still with us. Honestly, I wouldn't change anything in terms of location and interiors, or themes. I suggest a continuation, but to get traction, I would start the first two continuation episodes gracefully redoing two great original episodes (this is helpful for new actors to get going in the roles, without changing too much; not unlike a band playing covers initially, then changing to originals). Before they start, an all-hands meeting inventorying and reviewing Bewitched themes, as ground-rules for every future script. As you suggest, when they stray too far, it fails. We already know what works, no need to risk or reinvent the concept wheel. And please, no parodies, we saw what happened with the Bewitched movie.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by J.P. <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=JP' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 22, 2014, 8:43 pm, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that NBC has given the green light for the pilot. Her name is Daphne?

'Bewitched' follow-up about Samantha's granddaughter lands at NBC

Re: BW remake update

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 23, 2014, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Not sure if I am really feeling positive vibes from the new reboot. The folks producing the pilot are the same people who screwed up the movie. And what is with the name Daphne? They are messing with the original already. Geez!!

Re: BW remake update

Posted by BroomCloset <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=BroomCloset' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 23, 2014, 10:29 am, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Tracey, I agree, I'm not impressed so far. That's a bad character name, and it needs to end in an 'a'.

They really need to read my prescription for success in above post.

Re: BW remake update

Agreed BroomCloset. Something else: What about the character of Darrin? The original premise of Bewitched was about a witch married to a mortal. This reboot is TOTALLY getting away from what made the original a rousing success in the first place.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by BroomCloset <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=BroomCloset' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 23, 2014, 12:12 pm, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Yes, no Darrin/spouse is another problem, I'm sure that will be first of many foundation issues. A real continuation avoids that. However, they could bring on Samantha/Darrin as reoccurring grandparents, with Samantha looking the same age, and Darrin older (dye Amy Adams blonde, and she's good to go as Liz look-alike). I'd like to know where it will be filmed, of course, it should be BW Ranch 1164 Morning Glory Circle.

Re: BW remake update

This just seems like such a horrible idea. I give 2 episodes before cancellation.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by zapper <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=zapper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 24, 2014, 12:08 am, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

I don't think it will get past the pilot.Once the NBC executives see it, they'll hold their noses and run the other way. This is that Wonder Woman pilot all over again.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 24, 2014, 7:32 am, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Hopefully there will be a few die hard Bewitched fans on the NBC board who will question such drastic changes to the original. Although it has since been cancelled, at least the "Dallas" re-boot kept the original formula for success.

Again, the folks who are producing the Bewitched re-boot are the same people who are responsible for that simply dreadful "Bewitched" movie. Just the thought of this gives me a "sick headache".

Re: BW remake update

Posted by BroomCloset <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=BroomCloset' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 24, 2014, 3:54 pm, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

I agree, probably won't get past pilot or few episodes.

I now also have a sick headache thinking through these details, someone please zap the network. New Wonder Woman and Bionic Woman didn't get very far, both also "reinvention"; clearly reinvention doesn't work, so why keep doing that. Good that new Dallas kept the original formula, at least they got three seasons. Bewitched CAN be done again, if they would just listen to the fans, and follow the formula; if it's not broken, don't fix. Nobody will EVER replace beloved Elizabeth, and nobody can EVER do Samantha better. But they can at least use the original formula, giving it the respect it deserves. Somebody mentioned classic TV period in which Bewitched was filmed, people dressed up for dinner parties, etc. I agree, that context is hard to re-create. However, like Mad Men which is very successful, it could be period based, picking up after the last 8th season episode at 1164 Morning Glory Circle. Also, why don't they bring on Elizabeth's daughter, Rebecca Asher, she's a script supervisor on other TV shows.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by J.P. <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=JP' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 24, 2014, 9:45 pm, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

I'm kind of excited to see what they do with this pilot. I find it encouraging that they're looking to do this as a sequel instead of a reimagining. Remember, Lizzie had agreed to appear in a London-based sequel in the early 90s, so perhaps they're taking some of the ideas for that series and bringing them to the 21st century.

I'm keeping a positive attitude about this project and I hope it pans out for the best. As long as it still has the Bewitched vibe, I think it'll do well. The sequel talk really has me hoping they'll keep up the continuity.

Re: BW remake update

Posted by Tracey <iframe src='https://members2.boardhost.com/bewitched/info/user=imtracey' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 25, 2014, 12:26 am, in reply to "Re: BW remake update"

Superb thoughts BroomCloset! Giving the updated version of Bewitched a 1960s background would be awesome and the idea of having Rebecca Asher a role in the production is outstanding. Kind of keeping that "Ashmont Production" vibe going.

Your are also correct in that MAYBE the Bewitched reboot can have a fighting chance IF NBC listens to the fans. The thought of all of this is still giving me a sick headache. Herbie J. Pilato could be a consultant.

« Back to index

[ Bewitched @ Harpies Bizarre ]