American Gladiators is going to make another comeback thanks to a new reboot that’s been ordered by Amazon Prime Video.
I loved watching the original American Gladiators series in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It was a lot of fun! The show was rebooted by NBC in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali hosting, but it didn’t really have the same effect as the original series did. It only ran for two seasons.
The show brings in amateur athletes who compete against each other as well as the shows’ own gladiators across a range of challenges including a tough obstacle course.
The new series will feature classic competitions such as Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and, of course, The Eliminator.
The series is being produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios for Prime Video in association with Flor-Jon Films, the production company from American Gladiators co-creator Johnny C. Ferraro.
Lauren Anderson, head, Brand and Content Innovation, Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement: “Gladiators is an enduring, physical challenge format that continues to engage families around the world.
“We look forward to delighting our global Prime Video customers with both reimagined and nostalgic elements that celebrate the best of the original series.”
Barry Poznick, general manager MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment added: “Doing a cross-country casting search is exciting for us, and for the fans. Our goal is to find a real cross-section of America’s fittest and fiercest competitors. This is the ultimate in sports entertainment.”
There have been a few attempts over the years to revive American Gladiators since the 2008 series. American Ninja Warrior producer A. Smith & Co. was developing a new take on the format in 2014, which never got made.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg also tried to reboot it in 2018, teaming up with MGM, but it didn’t turn into anything.
Then there was a time when a movie was being developed! That project was being developed by writer Peter Lliff (Patriot Games and Varsity Blues), but nothing came of that either.
The show is currently casting, and I’m curious to see how it turns out.
Source: Deadline
