Jonathan Frakes Gets 'Thunderbirds' Moving

Thunderbirds

Jonathan Frakes ("Star Trek")is set to direct Working Title Films' long-in-the-works live-action screen adaptation of cult British TV series "Thunderbirds" for Universal, reports Variety.

Conceived by Gerry Anderson and produced by Anderson, Reg Hill and Jon Read, the original TV series used puppets and models in a process dubbed "supermarionation." Plots revolved around a rescue team comprised of retired astronaut Jeff Tracy and his five sons. Assisting the family was their London agent, Lady Penelope, her Cockney ex-convict driver, Parker, and the Tracy's houseguest, Brains.

U is aiming for an early 2003 start for the pic, which Working Title has been developing for many years, originally for Peter Hewitt to direct.

Working Title recently took "Thunderbirds" back to the drawing board to reconceive it as a family film -- reflecting the original TV series' core audience of kids under 10 -- instead of as an adult actioner.

Penned by Will Osborne, centers around the exploits of International Rescue, a top-secret international organization that saves people in peril.

Director Jonathan Frakes Talks 'Thunderbirds'
Director Jonathan Frakes has been speaking about Thunderbirds , calling it a film with a little something for everyone. "It's a coming-of-age story," Frakes told Sci-Fi Wire . "There are three kids at the center of it,...
First Look At 'Thunderbirds' Cast & Poster
AICN have got their hands on some preview licensing material for the in-production Thunderbirds movie. The pictures mark the very first look at Ben Kingsley and Bill Paxton as they will be seen in the movie. Check out...
Set Report From 'Thunderbirds' Production
Bill Paxton and others have been speaking with The Hollywood Reporter on the set of the live-action version of the 1960s cult TV show - Thunderbirds . Donning his fake microphone headset, Paxton took one last bite and...
First Look At 'Thunderbirds' Set Pics
The UK Sun have posted one of the first pictures of Thunderbirds currently in production. Ron Cook can be seen as Parker and Sophia Myles as Lady Penelope. Check out more by clicking on the picture below! Thanks to 'Tim'...
'Thunderbirds' FAB 1 Car First Look
Coming Attraction have received a first look at Lady Penelope's FAB 1 Rolls-Royce as it will be seen in the live-action Thunderbirds . Check out a larger image by clicking on the picture below.
Ben Kingsley Joins 'Thunderbirds' Cast
Ben Kingsley will star in the live-action film version of the 1960s cult U.K. television puppet series Thunderbirds , says Hollywood Reporter . Kingsley will star as the Hood, the movie's evil international master...