The original was set in a near future where humans and a race of aliens are forced to co-exist, tenuously, as humans keep the newcomers mostly segregated and without rights. The story then told of the first alien police officer, who is paired with a racially insensitive partner. Soon, however, a case comes along that brings the two together in friendship and respect.

Mandy Patinkin played the alien officer, while James Caan was the reluctant partner.

Fox released the original in 1988. It was successful enough that it led to a TV spinoff. The show lasted only one season but did lead to several TV movies. There were also Alien Nation novels and comic books.

Plot details are being kept on the QT, but the studio is envisioning a reimagining akin to the studio's own commercial and critical hit franchise, Planet of the Apes.

One tidbit is known: The first installment will begin by telling how and why the aliens came to Earth.

Marcum and Holloway also worked on Summit's Highlander remake as well as last year's Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles. They are repped by CAA and Grandview.

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