Cult Sci-fi 80's series 'V' to become big-budget movie trilogy

CAIRO – 11 February 2018: The classic science-fiction American TV franchise "V" will be returning as a big-budget movie trilogy, to be adapted by Desilu Studios and overseen by Kenneth Johnson, the original writer and director of the show.



Released in 1983, the original "V" was a two-part miniseries that aired on NBC, and told a story of supposedly peaceful reptilian aliens who come to earth asking for help. At first, humanity welcomed these visitors from the stars, but after the aliens take over the planet by force, it becomes apparent that their intentions are far from benevolent.

An underground resistance movement forms to fight back and restore Earth to humanity; however, things are complicated by the fact that these aliens are masters of disguise, capable of blending in with humanity. It is a war both against an external and internal threat. The miniseries starred Jane Badler, Michael Durrell, Faye Grant and Marc Singer, and was nominated for two primetime Emmy Awards; 'Outstanding Achievement in Makeup' and 'Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Limited Series or a Special (Dramatic Underscore)'.

The next installment would be "V: The Final Battle", a three-part miniseries released on NBC in 1984, which was also well-received. The miniseries would mark the departure of creator Johnson following creative differences with NBC.



This would not bode well for the full-fledged "V" TV series sequel that aired from 1984-1985. Starring much of the original cast, it directly continued from the events of "The Final Battle", but without the involvement of the original writer/creator. It received poorer reviews compared to the first two miniseries. "V" would be remade by ABC into a TV series which aired from 2009 until 2011 across 23 episodes. Johnson was once again not involved.



The first installment of the new film series is simply called "V The Movie", with an undetermined release date and casting. According to Deadline in a released statement, Johnson said that he was "delighted to team up with Desilu to bring the timeless — and timely — story of resistance against tyranny into the 21st century.'V' will be the first of a cinematic trilogy which will tell the full epic tale in the manner I always envisioned."