Top 2018 reboots and remakes: Classic movies and hit TV shows that are making a comeback this year!
If you are an early 60s child, you might remember 'Lost in Space', the classic CBS show that got fans hooked to the crusades of the Robinson family as they maneuvered through their adventures and misadventures in space. While the show's lighthearted style was just apt for the pleasure of the TV audience at the time, modern space thriller lovers can find solace in the fact that a reboot is in works, at Netflix, and with a tone much darker and intense than the original conception.
In fact, just an overview of the 2018 movie and TV calendar, reflects, that despite the outcry against rehashed content, revivals and reboots are very much still the order of the day. Other than the fact that these classic comebacks serve as a monumental source of nostalgia, more often than not we have observed that the reboots end up providing a unique perspective of the recent times via an old spectacle.
Whether it's the antics of the feisty Gilmore women, the Alicia Vikander version of Lara Croft or the most recent revival of the hit Roseanne series - almost 20 years after the last episode aired - fans have green-lit most of these returns, baring a few, here and there.
Given the trend, it won't be surprising if you are anticipating a few old-time-hits-turned-reboots on your must-watch list. And since we understand the curiosity, we have compiled a cheat sheet of the top reboots you need to watch, both off the big and the small screen.
Classic movie reboots of the year
1. Tomb Raider - 16 March
The reboot of the 2003 film is already out in the theaters and, so far, has received mixed reactions from the fans of the video game saga. However, thanks to the more real, practical, and life-like portrayal of our beloved adventurer, Lara Croft - read less sexualized version as compared to original Angelina Jolie-led movies - Alicia Vikander's latest release has managed to strike a chord with movie-goers and secure a place on this list.
"Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared," - the official plot description.
2. Overboard - 20 April
If the iconic pairing of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn brings back fond memories, chances are that the latest adaptation - which also features a gender reversal - of 1987's Overboard might reignite the same giddy feelings.
In the upcoming romantic comedy, however, Anna Farris plays Kate, the working-class mom; who is all set to trick the spoiled amnesia-struck playboy, Leonardo (played by Eugenio Derbez). Agreed it's more of a remake, but why not, the fuzzy feelings this recent pairing sparks is just enough to put this film on our to-watch list.
"A spoiled, wealthy yacht owner is thrown overboard and becomes the target of revenge from his mistreated employee. A remake of the 1987 comedy," reads the synopsis.
3. Scarface - 10 August
Again, this film has been adapted to the taste of the audience in almost every four-five decades - the most recent one being led by none other than Al Pacino in 1983. For the third outing of this iconic gangster saga, the plot shifts to Los Angeles to narrate the rags-to-riches tale through the eyes of a Mexican immigrant.
Since Universal Studio's announcement of this "explosive re-imagining", though, many changes have been made to the cast and still now there's no word on the final director.
Hence, take it with a pinch of salt if need be, but there might be more delays.
4. Robin Hood - 21 September
A Robin Hood reboot has been the ongoing theme of Hollywood for ages. While the 2010 war drama treatment of the classic tale - starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett - drew a variety of response from the movie-goers, expectations once again run high as director Otto Bathurst takes over the reigns of the much-anticipated movie.
With Taron Egerton stepping into the shoes of a young Robin Hood, the film boasts a rich supporting cast as well, including Jamie Foxx (Little John), Ben Mendelsohn (Sheriff of Nottingham) and Eve Hewson (Maid Marian).
5. Mowgli - 19 October
The Jungle Book saga, based on Rudyard Kipling's classic, has over the time, proven to be a fail-proof money-maker, and hence it comes as no surprise that Warner Bros is going all out with their reboot. Although, the film - starring Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys, and Freida Pinto with supporting performances by Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hollander, and Cate Blanchett - was originally titled Jungle Book: Origins, the latest version will be simply called Mowgli.
Here's the official plot synopsis:
"A human child raised by wolves, must face off against a menacing tiger named Sher Khan, as well as his own origins."
Popular TV reboots to keep an eye on
1. Roseanne
If you haven't already tuned into the latest Roseanne revival, it's not yet late, you can still catch up with the eccentricities of this blue-collar family drama. However, the focus has shifted to more timely and topical - read political issues - with most of the OG cast members, including comedian Roseanne Barr and fellow stars, John Goodman, Lecy Goranson, Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalfe and Johnny Galecki making a return.
2. Magnum P.I.
Think of mustaches and floral shirts. The 80s hit, Magnum P.I., which aired between 1980 and 1988, is all set for a modern treatment with Jay Hernandez (of Suicide Squad fame) taking over the reins as the new Magnum. If rumors are to be believed, the much-awaited reboot of the crime drama will see the Navy Seal-turned-investigator's tale told with a new twist.
"An ex-Navy SEAL returns home from Afghanistan and uses his military skills to become a private investigator in Hawaii. A reboot of the popular 1980s television series," reads the official description for the reboot.
However, the question remains, will the stud of that facial hair make a comeback?
3. Sabrina the Teenage Witch - Netflix
All eyes are on this magical character that captured many a heart during its highly successful TV run through the late 90s. Sabrina, the beloved witch, was brought to life in the original series by Melissa Joan Hart but with Netflix taking over the reboot, for a more coming-of-age narration, the lead character will see a sassy new face, Kiernan Shipka, of Mad Men fame.
Joining Shipka in the lead cast is actor Ross Lynch, who plays her boyfriend, Lucy Davis, and Miranda Otto.
Read the official description below:
"A dark coming-of-age tale that follows Sabrina, as she wrestles to reconcile her dual nature as a half-witch, half-mortal while fighting evil forces."
4. Charmed
When the modern-version of Charmed airs, expect a more feminist approach. The premise, it's believed, remains the same, but instead of a 1970's setting, the action takes place in the current times.
An official description of the reboot reads: "This fierce, funny, feminist reboot of the original series centers on three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy, and maintaining familial bonds, a witch’s work is never done.”
Stepping into the shoes of the bewitched sisters - originally played by the trio Rose McGowan, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano - however, will be a brand new cast, boasting names such as Madeline Mantock, Melonie Diaz and Sarah Jeffery.
5. Cagney and Lacey
How can a lowdown for reboots and revivals be complete without the inclusion of a cop procedural? The classic feminist cop drama, starring Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly as the oddly paired detectives, Cagney and Lacey, is up next for a modern revival. When the CBS show was on the air, from 1981 through 1986, it had garnered quite a reputation, not only for its subject matter and characterization but also for the lead pair, who had evolved into feminist icons of the time.
While not many details about the reboot plot are available as of now, the casting news is out - Sarah Drews (of Grey's Anatomy fame) will be bringing the oddball character of Cagney to life, while Blindspot star Michelle Hurd plays Lacey.