While The CW hasn't put a stake through the heart of their effort to create a TV series based on THE LOST BOYS just yet, word has come in that the network has authorized some big changes for the project in the way of recastings and reshoots for the troubled pilot episode. As per the shakeup, producing studio Warner Bros. TV has let the entire cast of the project go, save for Medalion Rahimi and Dakota Shapiro, whose involvement is secure and has been extended as details are ironed out.
Back when THE LOST BOYS was first optioned for television, the CW's powers that be had tasked Rob Thomas to create and write a Lost Boys series. Unfortunately, a pilot episode was never approved for Thomas' version, though the CW remained hopeful about continuing work on the title so long as it was redeveloped and arrived up to snuff. In time, writer Heather Mitchell earned the network's trust with her re-tooled take on the cult classic premise, and a pilot was ordered this past season. With Mitchell's script approved, and cameras set to roll, Deadline hears that work on THE LOST BOYS hit another snag when the CW found themslevs to be unimpressed with the pilot's progress. After surveying the scene, the CW moved to recast and re-pilot the endeavor.
Hailed as a must-watch by many fans of 1980s horror, director Joel Schumacher's THE LOST BOYS focused on two brothers, Michael and Sam Emerson, who move to the town of Santa Carla, only to discover that the area is a haven for vampires. As the two brothers fight for their own mortality, they find themselves joining forces with The Frog Brothers (Corey Feldman, Jaminson Newlander), a dynamic duo obsessed with uncovering the mysteries of the undead that prowl their local beaches and township.
TWILIGHT director Catherine Hardwicke will direct the pilot episode. Meanwhile, after the show's recent kerfuffle, Shapiro will remain as David, played by Kiefer Sutherland in the 1987 film, while Rahimi will enter as Stella, a new take on Star, who was originally played by Jami Gertz.
THE LOST BOYS series will be executive produced by Rob Thomas via his Spondoolie Productions label. Joining Thomas as part of his executive producing effort are Dan Etheridge, Rebecca Franko, and Danielle Stokdyk as well as Gulfstream Television’s Bill Bindley and Mike Karz. Last but certainly not least, Gulfstream’s Juliana Janes will oversee THE LOST BOYS for Warner Bros. Television.
Personally, I really hope that this show comes together. While Hardwicke's name being attached doesn't fill me with excitement, I feel as if THE LOST BOYS could make for a great TV series, especially if Mitchell and company are able to really sink their fangs into the premise and deliver something fresh and exciting. My fingers are officially crossed.