Ugh. Let's get this over with.
It's been reported that Misfits - the brilliant Channel 4 (yes, sorry) quasi-superhero teen drama that ran from 2009 to 2013 - is getting a US remake. The series has been slated to appear on Freeform, a Disney channel that includes such shows as Pretty Little Liars and Shadowhunters.
The channel, previously known as ABC Family, made the announcement yesterday and has slated the remake for some time in 2017. However, it's been confirmed that the original showrunner, Howard Overman, will have no part in the US version.
That duty falls to Josh Schwartz, who ran The O.C. and Chuck - both reasonably decent TV shows. Misfits joins a long list of Channel 4 (yes, again, sorry) remakes, all of which have met unfortunate ends. The IT Crowd, Skins and As If all failed to gather traction across the Atlantic.
The US remake was originally mooted back in 2011, however it all fell quiet - until now. There's been no word yet on who'll be playing who or if any of the original cast - Iwan Rheon, our own Robert Sheehan or Antonia Thomas - will be making an appearance in the US version.
So, thoughts? This is a terrible idea. Just terrible. What made Misfits was so interesting was just how subversive it all was and, as well, the real depth of personality that came from each of the characters. Most US remakes of these shows we've seen have never really landed because, well, they just can't seem to grasp any of these factors.
Not only that, US versions always seem to be blunted and bland which means we can only expect the same for Misfits. Here's hoping we're proved wrong, but it doesn't look that way right now.
Via io9
