FremantleMedia rebooting Universal Soldier for TV

FremantleMedia Enterprises is making a small-screen version of sci-fi action movie Universal Soldier.

David Ellender, global CEO, FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and Jeff Tahler SVP acquisitions & development, the Americas told TBIvison that the stars of the original movie, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, have been made aware of the TV version and could make guest appearances.

FME has acquired the property and it will be written by Damian Kindler (Stargate, Sanctuary).

Ellender noted that the project is the company’s first foray into the sci-fi action genre. FME has ramped up its scripted programming activity and has, Ellender said, has sold 17 scripts to 13 US cable nets and had one series ordered, The Wedding Band.

The show, which is about to go into production and will air on Turner’s US cable net TBS, has now been picked up by UK free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5. Turner has also widened its agreement for the series, taking Latin pay TV rights in addition to the US.