At one point they had a massive cast set to bring the ’80s soap opera Dallas to the bigscreen. They had Meg Ryan in the part of Sue Ellen Ewing, Luke Wilson as Bobby Ewing, John Travolta as J.R. Ewing, Katie Cassidy as Lucy Ewing and Shirley MacLaine as Miss Ellie Ewing with Gurinder Chadha set to direct.
Since that time everyone has left except Travolta and now Private Parts helmer Betty Thomas is on board to direct and Pam Brady, who just penned Hot Rod, is taking a shot at the script.
The film is expected to be an updated take on the classic ’80s soap opera (1978-1991) that chronicled the exploits of wealthy Texas oil millionaires and their shady business dealings and dysfunctional families. The series centered on the Ewing family, led by patriarch Jack Ewing, who started family corporation Ewing Oil.
The movie is going for comedy and the budget is expected to be much smaller than the earlier projected $65 million. Apparently they are hoping to attract a younger audience using a dysfunctional Ewing family. My guess is that since the show ended in ’91 the younger audience they need to appeal to is about 75.
Studio is eyeing a January start date.
