EXCLUSIVE: NBC is developing Real Genius, a single-camera comedy based on the 1985 movie starring Val Kilmer. The project, which has received a script commitment plus penalty, hails from Sony TV, whose sibling label TriStar Pictures produced the movie; Adam Sandler’s Sony-based company Happy Madison; and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Written by Workaholics co-executive producer Craig DiGregorio and David King (Parks And Recreation), Real Genius is a present-day reboot of the cult film, set as a workplace comedy. The show centers on the relationship between a rock star-like genius — the character Kilmer played in the movie — and a sheltered, naive co-worker. DiGregorio and King, repped by WME, 3 Arts and attorney Lev Ginsburg, executive produce with Happy Madison’s Doug Robinson and 3 Arts’ Oly Obst.



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The Real Genius feature, directed by Martha Coolidge and produced by Brian Grazer, opened in August 1985 to mostly favorable reviews and grossed $13 million. Watch the trailer above.