'Knight Rider' gets big-screen greenlight

Universal Pictures has confirmed that the iconic 1980s television series Knight Rider is set to make its long-awaited comeback — this time on the big screen, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The project will be spearheaded by Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald, who are currently in negotiations to write the screenplay. The trio is also being considered to direct the film, while producing through their Counterbalance Entertainment banner.

They will be joined by producers Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North, alongside Gary Barber and Chris Stone for Spyglass. This marks the second feature project for the Cobra Kai team, following their 2021 film Plan B.

The original Knight Rider, created by Glenn A Larson, aired from 1982 to 1986 on NBC and starred David Hasselhoff as crime-fighter Michael Knight. The show became a global sensation thanks to its high-tech twist: Knight's talking, AI-powered car KITT, memorably voiced by William Daniels.

Over the years, the series has spawned spin-offs, video games, and a wealth of merchandise, cementing its place in pop culture history. Universal's adaptation aims to capture the spirit of the original while updating the story for modern audiences.

Details of the plot and casting have not yet been revealed, but fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and fresh action in what promises to be one of Hollywood's most anticipated reboots.

The project follows earlier attempts to revive the franchise, including a planned version from filmmaker James Wan in 2020, which failed to materialise.