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Producer: Jericho movie is in active development

Producer: \<i\>Jericho\<\/i\> movie is in active development

Dan Shotz, co-executive producer of CBS' canceled post-apocalyptic drama Jericho, told SCI FI Wire that he and his fellow writer/producers are indeed serious about developing a feature film based on the cult show.

"It's not just wishful thinking," Shotz said in an exclusive interview Tuesday at CBS Studios in Studio City, Calif., where he screened the pilot of his new series, Harper's Island. He added: "We've ... been developing a feature to hopefully make, because we would love to. I mean, ... Jericho is so built in a way, ... especially where we left off season two, to create a feature. So our hope is to launch this comic-book series and then, with the development at the same time of the feature, hopefully get that launched as well."

The comic series is from Devil's Due Publishing and will pick up where the series left off, pledging to answer many of the story's lingering questions. The show's writers will contribute to the comic series, Shotz added.

"It's all us," Shotz said. "Jon Turteltaub, Karim Zreik, myself, Dan Shotz, Carol Barbee, Jon Steinberg, the whole group. ... When you've had an experience working on something like Jericho, it doesn't go away easily. It's all of our babies, and we love it, and ... we would love to see it keep going. Especially when ... you have the fan base like that fan base, and we were so fortunate and so lucky to get a season two because of that fan base, and we want to keep telling it if we can."

Shotz referred to the fan campaign to revive the series after CBS canceled it following its first season. The campaign—in which fans shipped tons of peanuts to CBS—succeeded in getting the show picked up for a seven-episode second season.

"We are picking up right after we left off and sort of telling what would have been season three in comic-book form," Shotz said.

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bringitback:
PLEASE SYFY pick up the series. I have never seen it until I saw it on reruns and I am hooked. Jericho is one of if...More »


Comments

By Buzz Ryan at 7:18 AM ON 03/18/09

Comic Book? Jeez... Bring it back as a film please, but don't pander me morsels with a comic book.

The brilliance of Jericho was not only the writing, production values, but the caliber of acting and the way you were invested in what is happening.

A comic book is less than engaging. Give the show some dignity, and the fans also, but waiting to do any continuation of the story the right way.

By Nors at 9:31 AM ON 03/18/09

So cool Film is in active development.

We are nuts for DDP and the new comic as well!

By Scott at 9:38 AM ON 03/18/09


I hate to say it, but it is not the setting or even the idea of Jericho that caught my attention. It was the performance of the actors on the show.

I think a lot of time it had lackluster writing, and I credit them for making it interesting anyways.

I'd love to see them reunited but suspect it would be another Firefly --a fan dream movie that regular audiences don't go see.

By Heather J. at 10:04 AM ON 03/18/09

Although I AM excited to see "what happens next" I'm worried that the movie will fall flat (as I've heard the DEAD LIKE ME movie did) ...

By kricka at 10:46 AM ON 03/18/09

More Jericho is good Jericho, IMO. Comic books are a great way to widen the fan base, and if anyone has been to Comic Con, a very popular way of telling stories.

Fingers crossed for a movie by 2010. That would be sweet!

By artzylady at 11:56 AM ON 03/18/09

Cool!!! It's great to hear more about the film. Looking forward to the comic book (even though I don't usually read them) and of course, I can't wait for the movie!

By bestdmnshow at 12:49 PM ON 03/18/09

Excellent to get confirmation that the movie is still in the works! While I'm reserving judgment on the comic book, I will buy the first couple issues as a way to support Jericho...

By Someone Else at 1:53 PM ON 03/18/09

Well if SciFi--I mean SyFy-- wants a good show, they can continue playing the old episodes of Jericho, AND PICK IT UP for themselves and make all new episodes for their network. It is a better idea than continuing to broadcast ECW, Ghost Hunters and whatever that new frakking reality game show for video gamers.

Too much BS on their network, not enough good stuff. I never saw Jericho until a couple of weeks ago in a marathon on SciFi, and got hooked immediately.

I'd love to see it as regular show on SciFi

By Joe B. at 1:55 PM ON 03/18/09

The movie is a great idea, but a comic book? Last time I bought a comic book they cost 10 cents!!!

By Mich (NHAQUEES) at 3:00 PM ON 03/18/09

Although I'm not into comic books, I'm glad to at least see something coming our way. I would love to see the show picked up again, the way it should be imo, but I'm excited about the movie.

By K6 at 3:14 PM ON 03/18/09

A big thank you to the Jericho team for continuing the story
. I'm looking forward to the movie and comic.

I'm also going to continue to fight for season three.

I have a suspicion that DDP is going to get a friendly shelling of NUTS soon... :)

No rest till season three!

By Mud62 at 4:22 PM ON 03/18/09

I am looking forward to the comic book series and the movie.

K6 I agree "No rest till season three!"

By jpl1976 at 4:54 PM ON 03/18/09

after screwing the pooch on this show (twice) why bother at this point? Just let this show fade away.

Granted I really liked the show when it was on, however like I said why bother now? To capitalize on the perceived value of a show that last aired any new episodes almost a year ago? Any movie that is done should be direct to dvd at the most.

By bbobo1 at 9:56 PM ON 03/18/09

Ws involved in movement to get the 2nd season. The plot & the actors were great. Comic Book- good grief! Is that all it deserves? Bring it back on TV & get a movie going. You people have a good thing. Get with the program !!! CBS can't handle a good show. Do we need to send more peanuts???

By Sebastian at 10:35 PM ON 03/18/09

I love Jericho!!!!!!!

Woo hoo a Movie on the way. Comic book not my thing but I will try it out!

Awesome that Jericho's executive team are still out there making things happen! They rock

By Linda at 10:53 PM ON 03/18/09

Please No comic book version! I want the real deal. Try to get the same actors, that would be great!!

By nobodysbaby at 10:58 PM ON 03/18/09

We are fortunate that many of these writers, producers, cast & crew will be joining Esai Morales in LA for the Welcome Home to Jericho Charity Event. Esai will be there to talk about the upcoming DVD release of the pilot episode of Caprica.

By nobodysbaby at 11:00 PM ON 03/18/09

We are fortunate that many of these writers, producers, cast & crew will be joining Esai Morales in LA for the Welcome Home to Jericho Charity Event. Esai will be there to talk about the upcoming DVD release of the pilot episode of Caprica.

By Dbalcer1 at 11:37 PM ON 03/18/09

I am excited to read that the movie is actively in development. While I haven't read a comic book since the Archie series I will check it out. I am excited they are trying to broaden the fan base of the show. I can't wait for more storyline and I have faith that I will enjoy whatever they put out. More Jericho please!!

By pcpelican at 6:05 AM ON 03/19/09

please don't tease me....make the movie...renew the tv series...use real actors...no comic book please!!

By Checkers at 6:23 AM ON 03/19/09

Awsome, I can't wait now. Whats this about the comic book? I had no idea there was one.

By Karma at 8:51 AM ON 03/19/09

Can't wait for more Jericho!!!! I'll take it in any form I can get. AND - it's so awesome that Carol, Dan, Jon, Jon and Karim are all back. That says a lot!

By zander712 at 10:00 AM ON 03/19/09

I am thrilled about the comic book and the movie - awesome!

By Briarpatch at 11:10 AM ON 03/19/09

Thank you to all the great Jericho writing and producing team for keeping our show alive. It is too great to die. I will buy the comic books, and wait patiently for the movie to tell the story of the 2nd American Civil War.

By PV544 at 11:28 AM ON 03/20/09

Thanks for passing on this terrific news. JERICHO was such an all-around great package, to hear that there will indeed be more stories is a special treat. And thanks to all the Rangers who have worked so hard for this continuation.

By esull85 at 12:01 AM ON 03/22/09

I just got into the show by watching it online, and in about a week I watched every episode.

Seeing as I love comic books I'm really looking forward to that. And a movie would be just awesome.

By Arwen at 3:42 PM ON 03/22/09

I'm so happy to hear this. We've waiting so long for any definitive news. I'm also glad that it'll be the original producing crew that will be working with both the film and the comic book. I wouldn't trust it to anyone else. I'm most impressed that Turtletaub will be in on it since all of his films have such an expert quality about them. At any rate, thanks for carrying the story and keeping us updated! Long Live Jericho!

By Jenna at 7:49 PM ON 03/22/09

SO excited to hear about a movie in the works. My boyfriend and I are nearly done season 1 (one episode to go!) - and I ordered him season 2 online for his birthday - I'm sure he'll be thrilled. Needless to say, we're big fans. I heard about the possibility of a movie a week ago. The comic book idea, too.
I'll read the comics, for sure - but please make sure you have some quality art going into it! It's hard to get into a comic if the art is lacking.
I'd love for there to be a season three, too *hint hint* hehe. :) I'll sign a petition! I'll send peanuts! Heck, I'll write a song! I'm desperate for more Jericho! :)

By highbeam2004 at 1:51 PM ON 03/23/09

Jericho was the one show that dealt with real people facing a crisis and overcoming it using only the skills real people have. I couldn't care less about people with X-ray vision, super strength, or who talk to the dead. I stopped watching cop shows when they switched from car chases to autopsies. CBS deliberately sabotaged "Jericho" because it was too relevant to today's events. Same reason "Atlas Shrugged" will never be produced as a feature or miniseries. If Jericho returns, I would like to see more development of Dale's character, and how trade and communications are restored.

By Networks are Losers at 1:59 AM ON 03/24/09

Comic book? You've got to be kidding me! I am a huge Jericho fan and have watched the DVD Series marathon style to several times. Networks always cancel the good shows and I'm so sick of it. Go for a season 3 or a movie...but use your stars. I hated the losing Johnston and his wife's bit part in Season 2. They were strong core characters. I ended up liking where you went with Season 2 and want to see more. But I haven't read a comic book in 45 years. I won't be going there.

By JerichoFanToo at 7:49 AM ON 03/24/09

please, no comic book. I agree with others - Jericho deserves more. What about webisodes for Season 3 that lead into a movie? Or a viral campaign? anything but a comic book.

By bring_bak_jericho at 12:32 AM ON 03/25/09

comic books? wtf! are you serious? i ain't gona read that crap. i want to see it on tv, not on a book page. put it bak on tv man that is the world's best tv show.

all these shows like lost, heores, prison break, 24 are an absolute bore. tv was so much cooler when jericho was around. it's still the world's best show

By Jake green rocks at 9:53 PM ON 03/25/09

I did not see jericho on cbs. I saw the all day marathon on sci fi earlier this month and after I saw episode 2 I thought this is a pretty good show. So I watched episode 3 and before i realized it I spent a hole day watching episodes 2 through 9. After a couple of episodes i was addicted I love this show Last weekend I spent friday and saturday watching the rest of season 1 and all of season two online. So all i can say is PLEASE PLEASE BRING BACK JERICHO

By jackjudy1 at 2:05 PM ON 03/26/09

Well I am like a lot of them Jericho Rangers, I want season three and I want it now, No one can't say we haven't been loyal and fought hard to save Jericho, a comic book, uh I don't know, just isn't the same, but if it would lead to the real thing then go for it, a movie you go see it and poof its gone to, so please listen to the people bring Jericho back before it is to late to get the real family of Jericho, they are the ones that made the show, they are our family, keep up the fight for season three rangers jackjudy1

By jjb_md at 11:24 PM ON 03/26/09

All I ever wanted was for the Jericho creative team to tell the story the way they wanted it told. That, and ten million dollars and World Peace. I least I'll get one of those, more or less. Any Jericho is better than no Jericho... Thanks Dan, Karim, Carol, Jon, and Jon! Looking forward to a printed version of Season 3!!! (And yay for a movie!)

By Juni at 12:38 PM ON 04/08/09

I agree with others, I'd rather see Sci-Fi continue it as a series than make a movie. The last year+ the quality of programming on that channel has fallen, and that would be just the thing to re-kindle my love. But only if they get the original cast, it would not be the same with new actors.

By RANGER at 11:56 PM ON 04/08/09

People who are poo pooing on comic books-it's a billion dollar industry. If you don't understand that you are way behind the times.
People who are poo pooing the movie idea saying it will never get noticed or be ignored at this point-Serenity, Star Trek anyone? Wake up.
A comic book Jericho or a movie Jericho would be great news at this point as the story is a good one and should continue to get told in any medium that it can.

By frozen at 1:44 PM ON 04/12/09

comic book? cmon thats just plain stupid, how about you bring the TV series back.... why was it cancelled again? too real for the government or what? i would go watch the movie, but wtf at a comic book...

By Crazy fan at 3:35 PM ON 05/10/09

Cant wait for a jericho movie that wraps every thing up and I can really see jericho the town playing a huge part in the movie, think about it major beck convinced his officers that they were fighting for the wrong side and has a army at his disposal in jerico makeing the town a staging ground right in the heart of cheyanne territory. the movie will be bad ass.

By CaptainSad at 8:32 PM ON 05/11/09

A comic book? Please don't. I am an original Ranger. I sent Peanuts to CBS. I want a 3rd, 4th, 5th season on TV. What is a movie 2 hours long going to do. Still leave you hanging. Then two years down the road maybe a 2nd movie? I want want season three or nothing at all...

By itisspencer at 1:58 AM ON 05/28/09

As a writer and fan of apocalyptic fiction I find this very fun and any proffering of Jericho is worth the diamonds you have to pawn to get the funds up to do the movie. Comic Series info is always good for fan base take a good look at convention videos. Thousand plus crowds slavering for any information Tron2 teaser almost blew out my head set when the roar of the card came up. My wife and I deliberated this and historically compared it to the range wars and the impending Alamo battles in Texas. was looking forward to the battle of San Jacinto all over again.

By sweetiepie at 12:44 PM ON 06/10/09

this is the best news ever, just can't wait, only one thing please do not bring or replace Erik Knudsen, worst actor ever, i think he kind of ruin the series, sorry, just my opinion.

By mustang7707 at 2:23 PM ON 07/27/09

i seen the show last week on syfy i had to say it one of the best show i seen ever i hope someone pick it up i wood love to see what happens next

By Skeeterific at 9:30 PM ON 08/13/09

WooooHooooo!!! Any way to continue Jericho is great!! This story line has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout it's short life... comic books, movies, you name it it has to be great!!! Thanks, Jon Turteltaub, Karim Zreik, Dan Shotz, Carol Barbee, and Jon Steinberg, it's wonderful to see that you are continuing your effort to tell this story, I'm behind ya, 100%!!!!

By daniemae at 3:10 PM ON 08/15/09

my fiance and I are absolutely obsessed with Jericho. We caught up late then realized after we started watching season two that it was cancelled we had to hear it from the clerk at blockbuster. WHAT??? We were devastated, what a great show. We want it back. We loved the fact that the show wasn't so far fetched it could really happen, Please, for the love of god don't do a comic book what a sorry injustice for such an amazing piece of work. The actors were also great they really chose well when casting. I've never felt the need to join a cause the way I do for Jericho. What else besides begging do fans have to do to get it back. Season 3, a movie anything.

By Axel VanJovi at 11:08 PM ON 08/21/09

I don't understand why we need comic books. Don't get me wrong, I give comic books their due respect. But I don't think that concept will work with Jericho's immediate demographic. At least as I understand it.

By mikie at 11:31 AM ON 08/27/09

SyFy Needs to bring it back as a series! Season 3! Just look what happened to Firefly. One movie and gone forever.

By Trillium at 3:30 PM ON 11/04/09

I don't think one movie could tell the whole story. I would love to see a trilogy or more of movies instead of just one Jericho movie. I agree that the actors made the show stand out more than the writing at times but some times the acting wasn't that great either. It is clear they had a great concept that was plagued with so many issues and it never got the support it deserved on so many levels. When they remade War of the Worlds I was expecting more explaination and better insight to it but it was so disappointing. They really didn't have the time to develop the characters and plot. It was a vehicle to shock and awe and it was not worthy of the story. I don't know how they could do Jericho justice in an hour and a half or two hours. Not plausible. I could see part I where it works its way up to the bombs going off. Then a part II dealing with survival and reincarnating the nation here and there. Then part three when the civil wars or whatever are fought, lost and won over different parts of the nation. International implications and interventions. Then a part four where the final battles are fought and the nation reimurges with a whole new approach from what it is today. The way government is set up to the way the laws are set up and inforced. They got rid of the nostalgia and put together a new way of governance based on what works today and for the future. The accepted norms of today and more open of what they will be in the future. More self reliance and restoring manufacturing in the U.S. for security reasons. Since lands are destroyed by nuclear fall out a total new appreciation for green approaches and maybe fallout causes new ice age in parts of the nation and world. I guess the real question would be could we unite and get it done right when the chips are really down. Could greed and envy and a whole host of typical man made issues be side tracked to achieve a future for all? I would leave it undecided but show how it might work.

By WhatAboutHeather at 4:24 PM ON 11/13/09

I loved Jericho, and I was so upset when it got cancelled. Then, when I saw they were showing reruns on SciFi I got super excited. It would be amazing if SciFi started up season 3 of Jericho!!!!!!!!!! I miss Skeet Ulrich a lot, and if all the original cast could come back, it would just be so wonderful! I know that if all of us keep writing and saying that we want Jericho back, it WILL happen!

By Nuadormrac at 3:57 PM ON 11/19/09

Ya know? A more logical move, would have been to see if Sci-Fi, who was showing re-runs in syndication would be interested in picking up the series. It has happened before...

tbh, continuing it in a show format would be a much better way of portraying the series, then trying to downgrade it from motion/video, into a print/comic based format.

And yes it is true, that with manga and the like, not all comics have to be the typical American idea of comics (this show could hardly fit the bill for a kids show; and there should never be an attempt to remove the more adult like themes to make it "suitable for children"; but typically I had heard of manga being turned into anime, not the other way around.

It just seems that trying to continue it in the comic book medium, something will be lost. A certain dimentsion from the original show, which the comic book format won't be able to adequately portray, or contain.

By john at 11:55 PM ON 12/09/09

bring jericho back to TV its a great thrillling show it needs to be back on tv

By bringitback at 11:13 PM ON 01/17/10

PLEASE SYFY pick up the series. I have never seen it until I saw it on reruns and I am hooked. Jericho is one of if not the best series I've seen on TV.


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