The Blues Brothers, the musical duo that Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi made famous on “Saturday Night Live” during the 1970s, may soon return to television as a prime-time series.
According to Variety, the screenplay for a pilot episode has been written. Aykroyd and Judy Belushi, John’s ex-wife, own the TV rights.
Script has the pair out of jail and Elwood, who was raised in an orphanage, looking for his real dad. Casting has yet to be determined.
Beatts, Belushi and Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment would exec produce. Aykroyd will participate in the project as the voice of Jake and Elwood’s parole officer.
Entertainment Weekly magazine reported:
Finally, “It would be Route 66 meets Glee, and it all goes to hell in a handbasket,” Beatts said. For people not around in the 1960s, Route 66 was a TV show about two young road-dogs cruising the country in a Corvette. The Glee reference reflects an intention to include a musical number in each episode. Unfortunately, both shows seem like something Belushi would raise an eyebrow over.
Also, the first “Blues Brothers” movie was shot all over the Chicago area, including a scene in front of the state prison in Joliet, Ill. The prison sat very near Route 66. And Joliet tourism officials have been playing up the Route 66 and Blues Brothers connection for years.
A lot of folks act skeptical about this TV revival of the Blues Brothers, but it seems wise to reserve judgment until we actually see an episode.
It also should be noted that “The Blues Brothers” movie initially was regarded as a flawed and bloated film. But it’s aged well, especially because of the musical numbers:
And not many people know this, but Aykroyd and Belushi were inspired to form the Blues Brothers primarily because of these two guys:
https://youtu.be/7j2mzeyGZ8Y
I’d watch an episode. Why not? I love that old movie.
“And not many people know this, but Aykroyd and Belushi were inspired to form the Blues Brothers primarily because of these two guys:”
Hence the Sam & Dave 8 Track in the Bluesmobile in the scene just before they are pulled over by the state police.
Obviously, filming in Illinois (66 and Chicago) would be a BIG plus.
Nothin’ Finah than the original Soul Men and the Blues Brothers.
Thanks. Made my day.
Hey, i even liked the BB remake.
I like the Blues Brothers movie. However, I will admit my favorite parts are Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, et.al. singing and that WAAAY over-the-top car chase at the end.