The classic British television series The Professionals is set for a big-screen revival with the news that Lionsgate UK have acquired the rights to produce a feature version, with filming expected to commence here in the UK later this year. Originally created by Brian Clemens (The Avengers), The Professionals ran for 57 episodes on ITV between 1977 and 1983 and centres on the covert British spy agency CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5). The new movie version will serve as an origin story that sees ex-Spec Ops Mercenary Bodie and Counter Terrorism Detective Doyle burst back onto screens to embark on the first mission for the covert security agency.
The Professionals will be produced by Callum McDougall (executive producer on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Wrath of the Titans) and Richard Whelan (Captain America: The First Avenger) through their production company Eighth Wonder. According to The Playlist, actors on the wish-list for the roles of Bodie and Doyle include Tom Hardy, Gerard Butler and Jason Statham, while Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman lead the candidates for the head of CI5.
"The Professionals was such an iconic British crime series that it's a fantastic opportunity for Lionsgate to be able to bring it to the big screen for the first time," said Zygi Kamasa, Chief Executive, Lionsgate UK. "This production will combine the wit and fast paced action of the original TV series but also completely reinvent it for a new, modern audience and we're really looking forward to working with talented producers Callum and Richard on the film."
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