Carl Roberts 
We bring you the latest from newly announced, in development, and upcoming TV shows.
Welcome to this special TV-oriented edition of the FOTF News Burst.
NIGHTHAWKS-THE LIMITED SERIES!
Back in 1981, Sylvester Stallone made what is, in my opinion, a brilliant action thriller called ‘Nighthawks’. In the film, Stallone played a New York cop named Deke DaSilva. Starting off as a member of the Decoy squad alongside his partner Matthew Fox (Billy Dee Williams), both are enlisted into an anti-terrorist task force. They are put on the trail of an international terrorist who goes by the name of Wulfgar (The late Rutger Hauer).
He has already committed atrocities in London by bombing a department store. Now, he is on his way to New York where his master plan will unfold. Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the film is a terrific cat and mouse thriller between cop and terrorist. Both focus on the other during the high stakes that occur. One has a vendetta against the cop chasing him. The other, a vendetta against the terrorist who maimed his partner. And it features a great ending that fits the film perfectly.
Actor Frank Grillo appeared on a podcast hosted by Chris Bumbray and Paul Shirley named ‘The Beard And The Bald’. While discussing upcoming projects, Grillo dropped an exclusive bombshell on them. ‘Nighthawks’ is becoming a limited series. Grillo will be taking over the reins of DeSilva from Stallone. But the big news is that Stallone himself will not only appear in the show, but he will also be directing it too. Frank Grillo had this to say about working with one of his idols in Sylvester Stallone:
“We’re redoing Nighthawks as a limited TV series – eight episodes. I’m playing him. He’s directing, he’s gonna direct ‘em, and then he’s gonna be in it…It’s happening as we speak, we’re selling it right now…I’m like you, I love Rocky, I just love Stallone and I’m at this point where I’m sitting across from him and he’s telling me I’m the only guy to play the role…This is AMAZING!”.
Frank Grillo is a brilliant actor, and he looks perfect to play Deke DaSilva in the limited series. You only need to look at his work in the recently released ‘Copshop’ or the hugely enjoyable ‘Boss Level’ opposite Mel Gibson to see how he’d fit the role. There is no word yet on who will be taking on the role of Wulfgar. Honestly, Rutger Hauer is irreplaceable in the role. But sadly, true life dictates that someone else will fill the role. But it is an exciting prospect to be sure.
PEACEMAKER-FIRST IMAGE FROM THE SHOW RELEASED!
For those who haven’t seen ‘The Suicide Squad’ as of yet or didn’t stay right the way through the end credits, look away now. Although he was shot in the neck, bled buckets of blood, and was inside a building when it collapsed, John Cena’s character of ‘The Peacemaker’ survived the film. We knew going in that Cena would be reprising the character in an upcoming spinoff series. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have the first image from the show. And it seems Peacemaker has made a miraculous recovery from his wound(s):
Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee reprise their roles as Harcourt and Economos respectively. Three new characters will appear on the show. These are Chukwudi Iwuji as the team leader, Murn who is a mercenary for Amanda Waller. Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, who will form a bond with Peacemaker. And Freddie Stroma plays Vigilante who is, well, a vigilante. James Gunn also returns to write and direct all five of the episodes of the series. And it may not be a one-season wonder. Gunn has said he would return once again if the series is successful. We will see how the series is when it debuts in January of 2022.
THE PENGUIN TO WADDLE INTO HIS OWN SERIES?
And finally, we have to wait until next March for the release of DC’s ‘The Batman’ movie. That hasn’t stopped HBO MAX from starting to develop a spinoff series that will center around the character of The Penguin. If the show does make it to the screen, it will be executive produced by Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark. The show is said to be a ‘Scarface-Like’ story of The Penguin’s rise to nefarious power and fame.
Colin Farrell is playing the villain in the upcoming film. It is unknown if he will be a part of the show. We already know, via the actor himself that the character will have limited screen time in the movie. The actor is unrecognizable under the makeup he wears in the film. The Hollywood Reporter has stated that Farrell has been approached about continuing on as the villain but as yet, no deal is in place. The project is still in its infancy at present so anything is possible.
And that’s all for this special edition of the FOFT News Burst. We will, of course, keep you up to date with any developments on these exciting stories here at The Future Of The Force!
Do any of these projects excite you? Would you be interested in seeing a Penguin series? Do you think Frank Grillo would be ideal as Deke DaSilva? Drop us a line in the comments below!
Sources: Deadline, THR, JoBlo, Chris Bumbray, Entertainment Weekly
Future of the Force News Editor,Liverpool F.C fan,Halloween Movie Fan, Friday The 13th movies fan, Star Wars Fan, Star Trek Fan.
