Saved by the Bell: The Movie?

Published by Jeff Leins on December 18, 2009

A feature film adaptation of 90’s classic television show “Saved by the Bell” is in the works.  Jon Shestack Productions secured the rights and is in the process of finding a screenwriter. Thus another piece of nostalgia is mined for a revival and silver screen treatment.

The movie would be “based on” the original series, according to Pajiba.  The initial show (1989-1993), centered on the exploits of scam artist student Zack Morris, ran for four seasons, before spawning a single season of “The College Years” and seven years of “The New Class.”

If I may quote a speed-addicted Jessie Spano from a very special episode of The Bell, “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so…. scared.” My inner child is giddy with anticipation of a possible return to Bayside High, while the cynical, adult me knows they’ll definitely screw this up. I shudder to think of Zac Efron breaking the fourth wall to tell us “Zack Attack” is back. They’re better off making it a self-aware spoof.

Producers have been assigned and the project is out to writers, which means the story hasn’t come together yet. I can’t imagine the cast returning for “Saved by the Bell: The 30-Something Years,” especially because they’ve all moved on, to some extent.

Elizabeth Berkley was a Showgirl, Mark-Paul Gosselaar is on TNT’s “Raising the Bar” (though he appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” as Zack Morris), and Dustin Diamond is a celebrity train wreck now and published a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes shenanigans twenty years ago.  The rest pop up here and there but, for the most part, they’ve faded into obscurity.

Jimmy Fallon started an embarrassing campaign to reunite the cast, but wasn’t able to secure all the names for the bit to have any pay-off. Instead, People Magazine brought everyone together (except for Diamond) for a photoshoot in August 2009.

I need to stress that although the rights have been purchased and a writer is being sought, this doesn’t necessarily mean Saved by the Bell: The Movie is definitely happening.  It is, however, definitely doomed for failure.