Writer Challenged by American Gladiator Movie

Published by Jeff Leins on: November 20th, 2009

A screenwriter has signed for the impossible task of bringing TV’s “American Gladiators” to the big screen.

Peter Iliff (Varsity Blues, Point Break) believes he’s man enough to take on the adaptation.  “Gladiators” creator Johnny Ferraro is producing with the help of Scott Mednick (who is also reviving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).

Variety reports the story will center on the Gladiators as superheroes, which is news to me because I was certain Nitro was some sort of modern-day Hercules.  Now I find out he’s just a muscle-bound actor and my memories are tarnished.  This is just like last year when I found out Michelle from “Full House” somehow grew into twin skeletons.  Next you’re going to tell me reality television is staged.

When the project was originally announced in May 2009, Ferraro saw it as a “compelling story” that would introduce a new set of characters.  Bad news for Laser, Blaze, Bronco, Ice, Turbo, Tower, Lace #2, Cyclone, Steel, Jazz, Tank, and of course Wolf (whose secret power is facial hair).  The movie may or may not be in 3-D, speculates /Film after running across more on a production company.

“American Gladiators” ran for seven seasons from 1989 to 1996 before audiences tired of giant hamster wheels and Q-tip fights.  NBC attempted a revival of the show in 2008, but it was cancelled after 21 episodes.  Who had the over on that bet?