I have been delving into the first series of Gerry Anderson's Space: 1999 and massively enjoying it. While hard going at first, it has quickly grown on me and I am becoming a big fan (so expect episodic reviews). One of the more inventive and bizarre science fiction programs that took a leap from its predecessor, UFO, Space: 1999 was in heavy syndication throughout the late 1970's and early 80's but is largely forgotten today except by a devoted following. Far weirder than Star Trek yet grounded in a more realistic world, the program starred Martin Landau and Barbara Bain as their characters tried to maintain order on Moonbase Alpha after the moon itself catapulted out of Earth's orbit and into the unknown.
As a child of the 1970's, I had very vague memories of Space: 1999 and mostly from the second year. I recall owning a few toys such as the disc-launching side-arm and I am sure that a Corgi Eagle transport got lost in my toy chest at one point (sadly never to be found again).
Imagine my surprise (or lack thereof) when I learned that not long ago a re-imagining of Space: 1999 was in the works.
Via The HollyWoodReporter:
ITV Studios America and HDFILMS, the company behind ABC's reimagining of "V," are prepping a contemporary iteration of the 1970s space franchise.
Space: 2099 is poised for a comeback.
ITV Studios America and HDFILMS announced plans for a reimagining of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's famed franchise of the 1970s, then called Space: 1999. The news comes months after Fox and producer Seth MacFarlane announced they would be reviving Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey, a 1980s miniseries from Carl Sagan.
"Science fiction is a powerful format capable of visualizing the human condition in thought-provoking ways," said HDFilms president Jace Hall, who will spearhead the effort and serve as an executive producer. The project is in the development phase and has yet to be shopped to networks.
"While we are indeed re-imagining the franchise and bringing something new and relevant to today's audiences," continued Hall, who recently revived V at ABC, "I feel strongly that some of the overall tones set by the original Space: 1999 television show represent an exciting platform to explore possibilities."
Added ITV Studios International's managing director Paul Buccieri: "After more than 35 years, we are thrilled to be developing a new vision of our much beloved franchise for audiences worldwide. Historically, the Space: 1999 brand has entertained and fascinated millions of people."
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