But Why, Though? NBC is Rebooting Real Genius as Workplace Comedy

Real Genius, the 1985 comedy starring my first boyfriend Val Kilmer is getting rebooted. But not for the big screen, as a TV series for NBC. I’ll be over here reading Rebecca’s article in defense of reboots…

Deadline says a television showed based on the film is in the works at NBC from Sony TV, Adam Sandler’s Sony-based company Happy Madison, and 3 Arts Entertainment.

The film starred Kilmer and Gabriel Jarret, an actor you might not have seen in anything ever again (thought apparently he was in a West Wing episode so I did) as geniuses attending a CalTech ripoff school. It was directed by Martha Coolidge and written by Neal Israel, Pat Proft, and Peter Torokvei. The main plot revolves around the CIA wanting to repurpose a computer-guided laser the kids are working on for a weapon but otherwise it’s a cheesy, raunchy, ’80s jaunt.

But what about this new TV version? Deadline writes:

Written by Workaholics co-executive producer Craig DiGregorio and David King (Parks And Recreation), Real Genius is a present-day reboot of the cult film, set as a workplace comedy. The show centers on the relationship between a rock star-like genius — the character Kilmer played in the movie — and a sheltered, naive co-worker.

I’m feeling some Big Bang Theory vibes here, what about you? Anyway, at this junction I don’t really have an opinion either way (of course initial reaction is eegads!) but I will be keeping a keen eye on this one. And Val Kilmer. As always.

Are you following The Mary Sue on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, & Google +?