The CW is in development on a reboot of “The 4400,” TheWrap has learned.
Co-written and executive produced by Craig Sweeny and Taylor Elmore, the drama from CBS Television Studios is a reimagining of the USA network series which ran for four seasons beginning in 2004.
In the series, 4,400 young adults in their reproductive prime have gone missing all over the world — some disappearances happened as recently as a few weeks ago, while others date as far back as the infamous day the Soviets launched the Sputnik satellite in 1957. One day in 2019, all 4,400 show up at the sites of their original abductions. None of them have aged a day; none have any memory of where they’ve been. The so-called “4400” must grapple with their return to a changed and hostile world… and also contend with the reality that they’ve come back altered in ways that none of them yet understand.
Elmore, who is under an overall deal at the studio alongside Sweeny, is attached to serve as showrunner on the reboot should the project move forward.
The original run of “The 4400,” created by Scott Peters and René Echevarria, featured a broad ensemble cast including Joel Gretsch, Jacqueline McKenzie, Mahershala Ali, Patrick Flueger and Conchita Campbell.
Sweeny was a writer and supervising producer on the series throughout its four-season run, later going on to create the “Limitless” adaptation for CBS and co-create the upcoming drama “The Code.” Elmore’s credits include the upcoming CBS series “Blood & Treasure” and FX’s “Justified.
The CW has one other reboot in development this season, a new take on the soapy drama “The L.A. Complex” from original series creator Martin Gero and “Blindspot” co-executive producer Brendan Gall.
Dr. Seuss Major Movie and TV Adaptations, Ranked From Worst to First (Photos)
Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.
Al Ravenna, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection.
10. "The Cat in the Hat" (2003)
The live action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic book is insultingly awful, trading in gleeful whimsy for madcap cynicism. Mike Myers is goofing off instead of playing a charming scamp.
Universal Pictures
9. "The Lorax" (2012)
As a fable, "The Lorax" is about as dark and complicated as Dr. Seuss gets. This light and colorful animated film featuring Danny DeVito and Taylor Swift, which is a combination of "Minions" meets "WALL-E," certainly isn't that.
Universal Pictures
8. "The Butter Battle Book" (1989)
This short is faithful to Dr. Seuss's work. It's a story about two rival races of people divided by a wall, based on their differences over how they butter their bread. But the songs are flat, and the animation isn't much better.
Turner
7. "Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)
Though it's incredibly cheesy and the Whoville makeup is a joke, Jim Carrey brings his overly-exuberant charm to the story, even if he looks a bit silly.
Universal Pictures
6. "The Grinch" (2018)
Taking cues from the cutesy "Despicable Me" movies, Universal's "The Grinch" with Benedict Cumberbatch has more elaborate animated mayhem than grouchy, mean-spirited fun and wordplay. The inoffensive charm is there, but the film's heart is two sizes too small.
Universal Pictures
5. "The Lorax" (1972)
"The Lorax" begins and ends in a grim, polluted world, using music and rhyme to chart how industry can harm the environment. Its message remains poignant and hopeful that a new generation can save nature.
CBS
4. "Horton Hears a Who" (2008)
The best of the modern Dr. Seuss adaptations, Jim Carrey voices another Seuss character for this delightful, madcap romp.
20th Century Fox Animation Studios
3. "The Cat in the Hat" (1971)
"Everything back in its proper place, no more rainbows for us to chase." This version of "The Cat in the Hat" takes some liberties, but it lovingly and musically captures the spirit of Dr. Seuss's iconic character.
CBS
2. "Horton Hears a Who" (1970)
"A person's a person, no matter how small." This Chuck Jones-directed TV special is beautifully animated, faithful to the story of acceptance of everyone and a joy from start to finish.
MGM
1. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966)
The songs are indelible, the lessons are heartwarming and the animation is impeccable. "The Grinch" isn't just the best Dr. Seuss adaptation, but one of the finest animated shorts of all time.
MGM
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Universal’s ”The Grinch“ opens Friday, Nov. 9
Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.