Ben Stiller (Mystery Men, Meet The Parents) is set to direct and star in a feature adaptation of British sci-fi/superhero series The Champions alongside Cate Blanchett (Thor: Ragnarok, Nightmare Alley).
The show only ran for 30 episodes back in the late '60s, but has since gained something of a cult following. The premise focused on three UN agents who are rescued by a secret, technologically advanced civilization after crash-landing in the Himalayas. The protagonists are then bestowed with superhuman abilities and returned to the world at large to serve as champions of justice.
“Champions is a long forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve long wanted to work with Ben – the director and the actor. He is one of the most engaged and versatile directors working today. Anyone who can make both Zoolander and Escape at Dannemora is a creative force to be reckoned with,” said Blanchett on behalf of Dirty Films.
“I’m a huge fan of Cate’s for a very long time. I’m hoping this project will help people to finally take her seriously as an actress,” joked Stiller.
No word on the roles Stiller and Blanchett will take on, but we assume it'll be two of the three agents.
The project is being produced by ITV Studios America and New Republic Pictures along with Blanchett’s production company, Dirty Films. No production date has been set.
Stiller is known for starring in some of the most successful comedies of all time, but he's also directed the likes of Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and more. We're not sure if this take on The Champions will be more comedic in nature than the original, but it's probably a pretty safe bet.
What do you guys make of this news? Any fans of The Champions out there? Drop us a comment down below.
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