It was revealed last fall that ABC is developing a small screen version of John Hughes’ 1989 comedy Uncle Buck with recent reports suggesting that the series will feature a primarily African-American cast. Today, The Hollywood Reporter has a sizable update, bringing word that both Mike Epps and Nia Long have signed on to headline. Epps will play the title role with Long set to play Buck’s sister in law.
The original film stars John Candy as the title character, a fun-but-immature uncle who begins to forge his own sense of responsibility when tasked with looking after his nieces and nephews.
Planned as a half-hour, multi-camera series, “Uncle Buck” has Will Packer on board as an executive producer. Packer recently produced the big screen remake of About Last Night, which similarly shifted the race of its main characters to both critical and box office acclaim.
Brian Bradley and Steven Cragg are attached to script and will also executive produce alongside Packer and Korin Huggins.
“Uncle Buck” was previously adapted as a television series on CBS in 1990. There, Kevin Meaney played the title character for what amounted to a single season of 22 episodes.
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