Originally published June 22, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
Way back in 2012 it was announced that Vin Diesel would be taking on the role of NYPD Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak for a big screen remake of the classic 70s TV series starring Telly Savalas, and now it’s being reported that the film has secured a new screenwriter.
According to Deadline, British scribe Philip Gawthorne (EastEnders, Holby City) has signed on to pen a new draft of Kojak, taking over from Skyfall screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Gawthorne is in demand at the moment; his is currently penning a remake of Cube for Lionsgate, while he also has the medieval action epic World Breaker in development.
Universal is planning Kojak as a starring vehicle for Diesel, with hopes to launch a character-driven franchise.
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