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Friday
25Jul2008

Leonardo DiCaprio's Next Stop: 'The Twilight Zone'

DateFriday, July 25, 2008 at 11:31AM
Though contemporary audiences probably have no idea, Rod Serling was and still is TV's single greatest storyteller. Long before The Twilight Zone, for which he is rightfully best known, Serling had written episodes of shows going back as far as TV itself. His Peabody and Emmy Award-winning Requiem for a Heavyweight is still regarded as one of the milestones of early television, and many of his other dramas throughout the 50s helped change the medium forever. He was nominated for an Emmy for writing nine times between 1956 and 1964, winning four, including one for The Twilight Zone.

It's that show that really cemented his place in history. Over the course of five seasons, Serling wrote 92 of the show's episodes. And because it was an anthology series, with entirely new stories every week, that meant that Rod Serling created almost 20 brand new tales of the supernatural every year. And they weren't throwaways, either; Eye of the Beholder, Time Enough at Last, Walking Distance, To Serve Man, and Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up are just some of the absolutely essential science fiction created by Serling during the show's run. He might still be ahead of his time.

No offense to modern day TV dramatists like J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon, but it all goes back to Serling, and they'd probably gladly accept the comparison with a ton of humility.

Now Leonardo DiCaprio wants to make at least one feature film based on an episode of The Twilight Zone, although The Guardian indicates more episodes are a possibility. Could we get a franchise? That would be an absolute gift.

"[Warner Bros.] and [DiCaprio's Appian Way production house] are quietly putting out word to creators that they are looking for pitches and script ideas based on the show for feature development," says The Guardian, which also points out that the intention is not to do an anthology film, like the cursed Twilight Zone movie from the 1980s, but instead, they'd like to drag one or more storylines out over two hours.

I didn't know this, but DiCaprio has apparently indicated in interviews that The Twilight Zone is his favorite TV show, and he can watch the old episodes - as can you - on Sci Fi, which runs the show periodically.

Simply put, I love this idea. Love it. Love it. If you read our statement of dissatisfaction over the upcoming Rocky Horror remake, my feelings on this will be easy to understand. As remakes go, the stories here are timeless and deserve a modern perspective. It could also generate new interest in one of the most iconic programs of all time. Hell, it could even encourage good writing again, which we absolutely need.

For the record, I'd also be keen to see a biopic on Serling, a former boxer and military pilot who became one of TV's most unlikely stars in its first quarter century.

AuthorColin Boyd | | in , , | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Comment3 Comments |

Reader Comments (3)

I totally agree with you Colin. Rod Serling is sooo under-appreciated. He changed the course of Science Fiction and TV. The Twilight Zone was so far ahead of its time.

Friday, July 25, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterChris

DiCaprio should play Serling!

Monday, July 28, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterThomas

Dan Hedaya should play Serling. Look at that brow!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | Registered CommenterColin Boyd

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