Gilligan's Island Headed to the Big Screen

We've been hearing about the possibility of a Gilligan's Island movie for well over a year now. No big deal. Another classic TV show getting the big screen treatment is nothing new. Then the project sorta faded into the ether. Series creator Sherwood Schwartz sold the film rights, but it never really found a home studio until now. Variety is reporting that Warner Brothers has struck a deal to bring the adventures of the S.S. Minnow and her crew to theatres.

Schwartz is on board to exec produce. The script is being handled by Brad Copeland. Not familiar with his work? Good for you. The only film he ever unleashed on an unsuspecting populace was the 2007 disaster, Wild Hogs. Then he again he also was one of the writers behind Grounded for Life, a TV show that I seem to remember being the only person who ever watched it faithfully. Still....Wild Hogs. Not a confidence booster. He'll also be penning the script for the upcoming Yogi Bear feature film.

Schwartz  went on record last year stating that he wanted Michael Cera to take on the role of bumbling crewman, Gilligan. Beyonce Knowles was also rumored to be up for the role of Ginger.

After seeing what Hollywood did to my beloved Dukes of Hazzard, as well as a string of other of my favorite TV shows turned movies, I'm not in favor of this happening at all. But I loved Gilligan's Island as a kid, mainly because of Bob Denver, who I've liked ever since The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis(Maynard G. Krebs 4 Life!) was playing on Nick at Night.

Originally the plan was to shoot for a July 2011 release, and that may still be the case. The plan is to begin shooting sometime next year.