Huge news for sci-fi fans: Fox is developing a stateside version of the U.K. hit series “Torchwood.”
The project is from BBC Worldwide Prods., with original series creator Russell Davies writing the script.
A more straight-faced spinoff of “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” is about a covert group that investigates and fights alien activity. Two series aired domestically on BBC America as well as last year’s well reviewed stand-alone miniseries, “Children of Earth,” which broke all ratings records for the network.
Unlike U.S. adaptations that have gone awry, “Torchwood” fans can take comfort that the original producing team is on board. In addition to Davies, exec producers include Davies’ producing partner Julie Gardner (former head of drama at BBC Wales for the show’s first season) and Jane Tranter (another BBC vet, now exec vp programming and production at BBC Worldwide Prods. in the U.S.).
Also, some of the current cast — most likely John Barrowman, who plays the immortal Capt. Jack Harkness — might star if Fox orders “Torchwood” to pilot.
As for the new show’s plot, the U.S. version will contain a global story line compared to the more localized sensibility of the first two BBC seasons.
Tranter might try to reboot “Doctor Who” for U.S. audiences while departing “Doctor Who” star David Tennant stars in NBC’s pilot “Rex Is Not Your Lawyer.” “Torchwood” (which is an anagram of “Doctor Who”) debuted in 2006 on BBC 3 and set ratings records, then was moved to BBC 1. Russell also reinvented “Doctor Who” in 2003 and was writer-creator of the series “Queer as Folk.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
There’s been no confirmation that Eve Myles will be starring in this, but we’ll let you know as soon as we find out. — Brian
5. March 2010 at 11:26 am
I litterally just started watching the series a week ago on Netflix and am COMPLETELY hooked. I don’t know if a US version will work, even though I am so hoping. In American TV, there is not as much liberty so the love triangles and developements of the characters will not be as intense. And seriously, without John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd and especially Eve Myles I just don’t think it will have the appeal. In one week I have fallen completely in love with these characters. So happy I found it.
12. May 2010 at 3:35 pm
No reboot please,
I would like a US Spin-off, ‘Torchwood America’ sounds plausible!
But the Beeb should never allow DR Who or even Torchwood to be ‘rebooted’ by a US network…
22. February 2010 at 5:06 pm
The US trackrecord for Sci-Fi remakes leaves a lot to be desired. Lets not forget the “incredibly successful” Red Dwarf remake lol. Major network sci-fi tends to do poorly overall and, outside the sci fi channel, Star Trek, and X-files, shows involving anything with aliens tend to not last very long (the american public prefer cute young actresses fighting against vampires and demons)
19. February 2010 at 4:28 am
The US influence will kill the british soul of Torchwood: Cynical, evil and nasty till it hurts.
More soft, more shiny teeth ans sexless as other US productions it will also loose the realistic touch.
:-(
30. January 2010 at 3:02 pm
Ever since I first heard of this, I’ve had a question in mind: if they want to do an international spin to this universe, why not use UNIT? I mean, aren’t they supposed to deal with the alien threat globally?
Also why would an organisation founded by queen Victoria as a defense against the Doctor, a defense to protect Britain, have a branch in the US? To me, it sounds beyond odd, but I’m still a newbie to this universe so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about.
23. January 2010 at 6:12 pm
I dont really like the idea of Torchwood USA, I think it would mess it up, meaning a new rift in time and space. I dont think it would work.
If it does go ahead alast People who have aready work on Torchwood would be creating it and not some randoms.
Cant Wait till series 4 in the UK!!!
28. January 2010 at 3:59 pm
I’m from the US, and I’m uneasy about the idea.
Point 1 – Firefly and Joss Whedon. Joss Whedon, who had already pioneered two successful shows for Fox – Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, developed Firefly, an extrodinary SciFi show that was funny and though provoking. Fox cancelled Firefly after only 10 episodes. (I believe 3 never aired on Fox.) Frankly, Fox had a bad track record.
Point 2 – Eleventh Hour, Coupling, and The IT Crowd. I’d also state that US remakes fall somewhat short of the originals. While I’m at it, I’d also like to mention The Grudge, a US remake of a Japanese horror film. Something must be lost in the translation, and I’m not speaking just of the language.
It’s possible I’ll be pleasently surprised. In any case, I’m looking forward to UK’s series 4.
29. January 2010 at 12:25 am
US 11th hour was like exactly the same as the UK one but worse! Also you forgot Life on Mars, Red Dwarf, Cracker, that we messed up.
20. January 2010 at 1:22 pm
WHY WHY WHY!? RTD has ruined it enough by killing everyone why this too! Everyone knows we ruin TV shows! You think we would learn!
And making an US Doctor Who will just mess up the whole thing would the 1st US Doctor be #1 or #12 or #11? What?!
But i know if they do make this i’ll be watching every week sadly :P
20. January 2010 at 2:39 pm
Torchwood is still his baby and I’m guessing RTD thinks taking it to the US will make it a bigger success than it already is. More eyeballs = more ad revenue = more $$$. It’s good for everyone involved and let’s hope the show will stay close to its roots.
I’m hoping Eve hops on board because the exposure would be enormous.