The big screen adaptation of I Dream of Jeannie has been years in the making. Now a script writer is attached, so who knows, maybe we'll see it in theaters in the next few years (IMDB.com lists a release date of 2010). And something tells me we'll probably see a belly button or two. Producer Sid Ganis is bringing Rita Hsiao, who scribed Mulan, on board to rewrite the script for a movie based on the 1960s series. Ganis is psyched for Hsiao's vision of the character -- a Jeannie who's smack in the middle of modern times.
In a Hollywood Reporter story, Ganis said of Hsiao's meeting with the producers, "She has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie's story, with a twist and turn along the way. She captured all of our imaginations in the telling of it."
I'm geeked because Hsiao was also brought on board to rewrite 2007's Enchanted and 2004's 13 Going on 30, two of my favorite romantic comedies in recent years.
Ganis has no qualms about the movie taking time to evolve, noting that Jeannie is a "beloved and iconic character," and they want to get it right and stay loyal to the TV series. Once a script is in place, they'll work on a director and cast.
Hmmm ... let's think about this. Just for kicks, I looked up Barbara Eden, who played Jeannie in the TV series. She's been working steadily through the years, and recently had gigs on Army Wives, George Lopez, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. I think she'd be great as Jeannie's mom in the movie. Larry Hagman is still around, too, having done a stint on Nip/Tuck in 2006. Let's find a role for him in the movie.
As for who should play Jeannie, Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars and Heroes springs to mind. She's got the sassy thing down cold, her belly button is cute, and she's already made a successful leap from TV to movies, with Forgetting Sarah Marshall. (At least, I thought it was successful.)
For Major Nelson, that's a tough one. Maybe Peter Krause? John Krasinski?
Who would you pick to play Jeannie and Major Nelson?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
6-13-2008 @ 9:30AM
Eric J. said...
Scarlett Johanson
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6-13-2008 @ 10:17AM
R-Bro said...
My vote: No one! Geez, wasn't Bewitched enough of a train wreck? Does anyone really want to see this mediocre TV show made into a movie?
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6-13-2008 @ 9:40AM
Ric Kaysen said...
When it comes to 60s' TV remakes, does anyone keep track of the tolerable:really-really sucks ratio?
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6-13-2008 @ 9:42AM
Cyantre said...
I agree with Jane, Kristen Bell would be a good choice.
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6-13-2008 @ 9:46AM
samk said...
Perhaps an Arab woman would be more appropriate for the character, rather than a blonde?
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6-13-2008 @ 10:11AM
litehousebeacon said...
I'm all about Kristin Bell in some skimpy outfits.
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6-13-2008 @ 12:44PM
Cyantre said...
Also in VM she already did a little magic when she made Jackie a macchiato. "Poof! Your a macchiato." =P
6-13-2008 @ 10:05AM
Beth said...
Kristen Bell would only work w/ someone young as Major Nelson. John Krasinski would be a good choice, but it would be so weird to see Veronica Mars and Jim Halpert on the same screen!
I vote for Peter Krause, and someone more his age..like Lisa Kudrow?
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6-13-2008 @ 10:16AM
shrbr04 said...
reese witherspoon,no contest.
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6-13-2008 @ 10:20AM
Heather Nash said...
New young star, Jennifer Ricci (plays TJ Tyler in Camp Rock) she'd be perfect!
Someone fresh and new!
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6-13-2008 @ 10:33AM
Toby OB3 said...
Larry Hagman should be General Peterson! Krasinski would be a great choice for Tony. How about Matthew Perry as Roger?
Maybe some wrestler type can take on Michael Ansara's role as the Djinn......
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6-13-2008 @ 10:43AM
jjd said...
Major Nelson: Steve Carrell
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6-13-2008 @ 10:30AM
Galley said...
My vote goes to Catherine Bell. She's of Persian descent. Genies can be Persian, can't they?
Of course, you wouldn't hear me complaining if Kristen Bell got the job.
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6-13-2008 @ 10:34AM
mj said...
The girl who plays Penny on The Big Bang Theory. Sorry, am suffering brain fog this morning, can't think of her name. grrrr. OR the cute Brit who played Jenny, the daughter of Dr. Who last week. She was so perky and cute!
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6-13-2008 @ 11:45AM
Toby OB3 said...
I love the idea of Georgina Moffett (Jennie from 'Doctor Who') as Jeannie! So glad you came up with that one!
6-13-2008 @ 11:05AM
MERVE-THE-PERVE said...
Catherine Heigl as Jeannie, George Clooney as Major Nelson, and Matt Perry would be an awesome Roger. Kristen or Reese would be really good too. As long as Britney or Lohan isn't Jeannie.
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6-13-2008 @ 11:29AM
GL said...
Lohan is the only choice and you know it.
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6-13-2008 @ 11:37AM
Sharon said...
I think Kate Hudson would make a great Jeannie!
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6-13-2008 @ 11:35AM
tv junkie said...
blonde amy adams
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6-13-2008 @ 11:40AM
GingerSnapsTN said...
How about having a Jennie play Jeannie...Jennie Garth?
Otherwise, Reese Whitherspoon would rock in the part.
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