‘Thunderbirds are go’ – only this time the puppets that starred in the 1960s British TV show will be replaced by real actors, with seasoned Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes set to direct.
The cult series, which used puppets and models in a process called “supermarionation”, revolved around the adventures of a top-secret international rescue team comprised of retired astronaut Jeff Tracy and his five sons. Also helping out were the Tracys’ houseguest Brains, their London agent Lady Penelope and her cockney ex-convict chauffeur Parker.
Although there were only 32 episodes, the show, which first broadcast in 1964, has gathered a huge following and is regularly repeated in the UK.
British producer’s Working Title have had the project on the drawing board for some years and a number of actors have been linked with the film, including the Baldwin brothers – Alec, Stephen and Daniel – who were once tipped to take on the roles of the Tracy siblings.
Jonathan Frakes is probably best known for his role as Commander William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation,, but he did direct two of the Star Trek films – Insurrection and First Contact. Most recently Jonathan helmed the children’s adventure Clockstoppers and he will be reprising the role of Riker in the upcoming Star Trek: Nemesis.
The live-action Universal pictures project is aiming for an early 2003 start to filming.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
