Deadline reveals that Paramount Pictures is working on yet another “The Longest Yard” remake. This iconic sports comedy originally starred Burt Reynolds in 1974 and was later remade with Adam Sandler in the lead role in 2005. The new adaptation is set to be penned by Rodney Barnes, known for his work as an executive producer and writer on HBO’s “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.”
The project is being developed by Gunpowder & Sky, with CEO Van Toffler, who previously worked as an executive producer on the 2005 version during his tenure at MTV owner Viacom. Toffler is joined by former MTV Films boss David Gale, who has reunited with him at Gunpowder & Sky and was also an executive producer for the Sandler version of the film.
“The Longest Yard” is a prison sports comedy film that tells the story of Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former star quarterback sentenced to 18 months in Citrus State Prison. There, he assembles the Mean Machine team to take on the prison guards’ team in a high-stakes football game.
The original 1974 version of the film was based on a story by Al Ruddy, directed by Robert Aldrich, and written by Tracy Keenan Wynn. It featured Burt Reynolds in the lead role. The 2005 remake, directed by Peter Segal and written by Sheldon Turner, starred Adam Sandler as the lead and included a star-studded cast with the likes of Chris Rock, James Cromwell, Nelly, William Fichtner, and even Burt Reynolds himself.
Rodney Barnes, the screenwriter for the upcoming remake, is known for his work on various series, including “The Boondocks,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Marvel’s Runaways,” “American Gods,” and “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” He also has several other exciting projects in development, including an adaptation of Chris Leslie-Hynan’s novel “Ride Around Shining” for Netflix, a miniseries based on the life of golf star Tiger Woods, and a feature for New Regency with Jordan Vogt-Roberts attached to direct.
Gunpowder & Sky, the production company behind this venture, has a diverse portfolio of films, including “Her Smell” starring Elisabeth Moss, “Heart Beats Loud” with Nick Offerman, and Showtime’s “Heist 88” led by Courtney B. Vance. They are also known for their music documentaries, such as “Sheryl” and “Everybody’s Everything.” Notably, they recently struck a multi-picture deal with MTV Entertainment Studios.