Brace yourself. This is some news out of left field. According to Deadline, Warner Bros. has given total control of the old California Highway Patrol TV show CHiPs, to Dax Shepard (Parenthood). Shepard has been charged with writing, directing and starring, in the big screen adaptation of the late 70’s light-hearted action show. He will be bringing the talented Michael Pena (End of Watch, Crash) aboard to star in the role made famous by Erik Estrada, Francis “Ponch” Poncherello. While Shepard will fill the role of his partner Jon Baker.

With the huge success of TV revivals such as 21 Jump Street, this project getting the go-ahead by WB is not very surprising. The approach Shepard is said to be taking is what makes the project even more intriguing. This won’t be a slapstick, wink at the camera movie. According to Deadline, this is Shepard’s vision for adapting the show:

The new take is envisioned as much in the tone of Bad Boys and Lethal Weapon than a comedy. Shepard is known mostly in humorous roles and the series Parenthood. He’s actually a professional driver of race cars and motorcycles, and he expects to be performing his own riding and stunts.

The fact that they are shooting for a tone with a harder edge, in the vein of Bad Boys, is actually what should give onlookers a small cause for excitement. Real car and motorcycle chases, in a possibly R-rated, crime adventure sounds like fun as long as its directed and written well. That is a big question mark, as Shepard’s filmography has slanted towards lighthearted comedy. It should only add to the authenticity of the action to see him attempt his own stunts in the film. Let’s see how much leeway WB gives him to risk life and limb, since he will be both starring and directing.

This is a classic case of “I will wait to see the trailer and decide.” However we will be keeping our eyes on the project as it develops.

Are you going to check it out? What other antiquated shows would you like to see adapted for the big screen? Let us know on the comment boards,  and !

Source: Deadline, Latino Review