I’m not sure that I ever saw an episode of the original CHiPS TV series, but Warner Bros. is counting on people like me being in the minority since they’re making a feature film version of CHiPS. And here’s where it begins to get interesting - Dax Shepard has been hired to write, direct and star in the film with the hilarious Michael Peña joining him. Shepard will play Larry Wilcox’s role of Officer Jon Baker while Peña will be subbing for Erik Estrada and playing Frank “Ponch” Poncherello.
My first reaction when I read this news was that this ship has probably sailed with ironic remakes like Starsky & Hutch being over ten years old. But that’s were this actually gets even more interesting. This version of CHiPS is said to be serious. As in “not a comedy.” Which isn’t really what you’d expect from Shepard, but I’m interested to see if he can pull it off. Hit the jump for more on the CHiPS movie.
Per Deadline Shepard is also looking to explore the physical nature of the role:
The new take is envisioned as much in the tone of Bad Boys and Lethal Weapon than a comedy. Shepard is known mostly in humorous roles and the series Parenthood. He’s actually a professional driver of race cars and motorcycles, and he expects to be performing his own riding and stunts.
I'd like to hear from the CHiPS fans on this one. How does this news strike you? And from the film community at large, do you think Shepard has it in him to do the more serious version of this project?