A re-imagining of “The Greatest American Hero” is in the works at ABC with a put pilot commitment, TheWrap has learned.
The 1980s comedy superhero series starring William Katt is being revived by “Fresh Off the Boat” writer Rachna Fruchbom. Fruchbom’s take on the series will give the concept a new twist by centering on Meera, a 30-year-old Indian-American who is given superpowers and tasked with protecting the planet by a group of aliens.
The project hails from 20th Century Fox Television and ABC Studios. Fruchbom will executive produce with Nahnatchka Khan and Mandy Summers of Fierce Baby. Tawnia McKiernan, daughter of the original series’ creator Stephen J. Cannell, will also executive produce.
The original series, which ran on ABC for three seasons from 1981 to 1983, starred Katt as the high school teacher Ralph Hinkley who is bestowed with a superhero suit by a group of aliens while on a school field trip. Robert Culp, Connie Selleccaand and Faye Grant also starred.
A revival of the cult classic had been put into development at Fox twice before, with “The Lego Movie’s” Phil Lord and Christopher Miller attached to produce both times.
Fruchbom is represented by UTA and Gang Tyre.
Deadline first reported the news.