American Gladiators: Red, White and Blue Spandex to Big Screen
Posted in American Gladiators on November 23rd by Dan.
Since American Gladiators first hit the airwaves in 1989 there have been rumors that the Red, White and Blue clad super heroes would hit the big screen in an American Gladiators movie. I remember back in those first few years, Samuel Goldwyn Company (the producers of the original show), hired an "A" list screenwriter to write a draft of a screenplay.
The writer would come by the set and ask us Gladiators all kinds of questions.
"What would you do if the end of the world came?" "What would you do if you someone kidnapped a family member?" "You ever kiss a guy?"
Okay, I'm lying about the last question. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention!
But seriously I always thought given the popularity of the Gladiator franchise that a movie would get made. I just didn't think it'd be 20 years later!
Well, now it's more than a rumor. I've known about the new project for some time, but didn't want to say anything until people started spending money. In Hollywood – when they spend money it always makes it more real. Not a "given" by any mean… but at least it's now worth mentioning.
Here's the Variety (Hollywood Trade) paper Article announcing the American Gladiator Movie.
Seems they've got a producer and hired screenwriter Peter Iliff of "Patriot Games" and " Varsity Blues" fame to write a script. Peter and I've talked — and at least he didn't ask me if I'd kissed a guy. And rumor has it — there's a part in it for me.
I think my part will probably be like the Original "Spock's" in the new "Star Trek" movie. I'll be the old sage who comes back and gives the new kids tidbits of wisdom. Ha! I hope that's only a joke cause I've just got my spandex dry cleaned.
Let me know your thoughts… and what you THINK THE MOVIE SHOULD BE ABOUT or at what you think would be COOL to see in the MOVIE!
Be Brilliant!
Dan Clark
Btw — if you haven't gotten my memoir Gladiator – A True Story of Roids, Rage and Redemption – there's no time like the present. It'll make a great X-mas gift! And it's getting amazing reviews and people are saying it's the best sports memoir they've ever read and Chuck Palahnuik of "Fight Club" fame picked it as one his 5 Best Books of the Year!
Technorati Tags: American Gladiator Movie, Dan Clark, Dan Nitro Clark, Nitro, American Gladiators, Nitro Gladiator, American Gladiators Film,
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Hey Dan: Sounds great.
Would love to be involved, like a contributor or something. Any chance?
Christine – would love to see you in tights again! Btw — I loved your "Diva Diet" book. I think it's a must-read for all women.
More later on the movie as I get the info!
Dan
I'll definitely watch it. Hopefully it will have all of the originals though – the new ones are good and all, but the "old" guys were the best – you included!
Dan that’s great news! Peter Iliff is an excellent writer and you will be an incredible asset to the movie – something for your fans to look forward to. Congratulation on your new project!
Jason — I just hope they don't make me where spandex!
Gris — thanks for the kind words!
Dan
Dan: I don't want to star in it, just help out somehow! I like behind the scenes much better these days……
PS: Say hello to Johnny Ferraro for me!
this has a lot of promise but i needs to be done right. maybe colin ferrel could play you.
Ha! Colin Ferrel. I was thinking Will Smith!
Dan
Well they can go one of two ways, either really campy where the Gladiators become actual superheroes and such or they can be gritty and real…maybe follow your book. It would be interesting to see them mix the original cast with the new cast and maybe even the UK cast.
Cynthia – true that – the international thing works because the worldwide box office is a huge thing. Would be smart to include them.
From talking to the screenwriter – think it's going to be gritty and real.
Dan
I think it should be about the 'cult' that followed the gladiators…about life on the bus…about the romances that went on between fellow gladiators…drama that happened between the Gladiators when they werent competeing or the individual drama's that were occuring in their personal life…the workout's required to stay in shape…the abuse the bodies took from the actual competitions while on the road, and while filming… In essence…the good, the bad and the ugly…reality! (Jim's wife former profession… Married Gladiators that were having affairs with each other… steroids…parties, food and fame!)
I'm really excited to hear about this – hope it comes to fruition!
I think it sounds like a great idea, especially after reading your book! Will you be YOURSELF in the movie>?>
Kim – that's the indie version! They are doing more the studio pic!
John, Hmm… I think I'd be playing "Nitro" in the movie – rather than myself Dan Clark who played "Nitro." Already having nightmares about the spandex!
The movie idea sounds so interesting. When I read the attached article from Variety and saw that Scott Mednick produced "Teenage Mutant Ninja" I thought they can be very creative with this. I will keep my eyes out!
Dan.. sounds great.. I want to be in the movie.. since I am such an athlete.. Bowling 180 averages today..Can I ,, Can I ,,Can I ?
Happy Thanksgiving my friend.
Mari
Everyone at my fire house will watch this, we are all old school fans of AG. I agree with Kim, the "indie version" would be cool. Kind of similiar to the wrestler, which was fiction I know, but I think the real stories of AG would be more compelling.
Nick – I agree with you. I just know when a studio throws a lot of money at a pic – they won't make the "Wrestler" version. I wish they would. btw – if you haven't read my memoir yet – you should. It's the "Wrestler" version!
Dan
I agree with Kim. I hope it contains a lot of what was in your book. I also hope that they include how you and you alone made the decisions for steroids. You didn't blame your actions on anyone but yourself.
Can't wait to hear more–winter is here in Alaska and it looks to be a long one.
PS Please don't let them put you in the white spandex–the second outfit with the red shorts is much better!! It showed off your body more!!
That's awesome. Do you suppose that there might be any parts in the movie for a "Big Loser" like me ???????????
Jan – hopefully I won't have to wear spandex ever again!
Bill, what you did on "Biggest Loser" was amazing. Keep up the good work!
But Dan, haven't you been working hard at keeping in shape? This would be a good oppertunity to show everyone that you look just as good now as you did then!
Have a nice Thanksgiving.
Jan
Damn I was gonna direct that one :)
Dan, I just want to know one thing > > CAN YOU GET ME SOME FREE PASSES TO THE PREMIER ?? Just kidden ! I do agree w/Kim, I think a behind the scenes docu-style flick would be great, but you're probable right, the large studio will probably want a Big,Splashy vehicle. Keep me in mind if they want some over weight,old man to play an 'extra' fan type, to sit in the audience and yell 'Go Nitro-Go Nitro' . if so ,have their people talk to my people. I'm available ( and cheap!) Besides, I have a lot of actual experience. Good Luck> >>> Hope it happens
Your Pal
Mully
OMG! I sooo cannot wait for this movie. I really hope your 're in it. I don't care what its about to be honest, just know that if it gets made, I will be viewing it in theaters multiple times. Hope you post more about it. I'm gonna change what Mully said just a little bit. Let me know if they need some 17 year old fan girl to be in it, even though she wasn't alive when it first came out. I don't even need any money for it…lol.
None the less, I'm still watching the show. My DVR records it whenever it comes on ESPN Classic. I'm also re-reading your book for the 6th time.
But seriously, thanks sooooooo much for letting us know. Can't wait!
Lisha – thanks for stopping by.
And really? Reading my memoir the 6th time?
Also – will post more about the movie as I get the info!
Dan,
Personally, I think it should be more of a Documentary….something like "Pumping Iron" was, where they actually Diologue with you NOW and you cut back to original footage! Im sure, like one of your other bloggers mentioned, where there is PLENTY of juicy situations many, the WORLD would want to know! THAT WOULD BE HUGE!
Your brother from another Mother,
"Opeth"
Lol….yes…for the 6th time. Its really good! Best present I ever bought myself.
A feature film is a good idea if a good storyline can be found, not just a rehashed "Rocky" concept. If there is anything you might need from me, don't hesitate to ask. Lots of potential here. I might have some good ideas for you.
Yes! This is long overdue! I hope they're able to blend the superhero storyline with the compelling events in your own real story. But either way, just so glad it's coming together.
Damn I was gonna direct that one :)
Dan,
Personally, I think it should be more of a Documentary….something like “Pumping Iron” was, where they actually Diologue with you NOW and you cut back to original footage! Im sure, like one of your other bloggers mentioned, where there is PLENTY of juicy situations many, the WORLD would want to know! THAT WOULD BE HUGE!
Your brother from another Mother,
“Opeth”
Damn I was gonna direct that one :)