Big Screen Version of 'Jericho' Being Developed

Citing the millions of fans still devoted to the show, National Treasure director Jon Turtletaub told iFMagazine that he's developing a feature version of CBS's canceled Jericho, which he executive produced. “It would not require you to have seen the TV show, but it gets into life after an event like this on a national scale," Turtletaub explained. "It would be the bigger, full on American version of what’s going on beyond the town in Jericho.” The show aired for only one full season and part of a second, but like the majority OF prime time dramas, it never delivered consistent enough ratings to justify not pulling the plug, at least from CBS' perspective. But Turtletaub says the networks need to remove themselves from such a fine point and look at the broader scope of TV today, which encompasses not only more competition for original programming over-the-air but on cable, as well.

"When I think about the fact [that] a repeat of Jericho on CW actually has more viewers than an episode of Mad Men, you realize the difference between cable and broadcast, you realize the difference between what the press is watching vs. what America is watching. And I bring up Mad Men, because it’s a brilliant show. But it’s still fun to see the show won’t die.”

Up next: Getting the money. Turtletaub told iF, “If we had $40 million dollars to make a movie with, that’s 20 times more than we did before.” As for getting the cast back on board, Turtletaub is enthusiastic and confident that everyone would return.

Comments

[d0od]

Wow! This would be pretty awesome. I take it from his comments that the storyline of a potential film wouldn't actually be a continuation of jericho,..? I hope it wouldn't contradict the series.

[Darrin]

WHOOHOO!!!!!!!! This was a brilliant story and I HOPE THIS WILL HAPPEN!!! I agree though, that they absolutely MUST keep it in line with the original premise otherwise they will disappoint all the fans. The major draws of this show were definitely two-fold, the drama of a midwest town surviving AND the intrigue of the conspiracy.

Holding thumbs, go Turtletaub!!

[Gwen]

Wonderful news - Jericho will make a great movie. I'm glad the producers will get to tell the wider story they wanted to tell.

Gwen
www.jericho-kansas.com