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.
https://youtu.be/yIuEu1m0p2M?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published June 22, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
