Nicholas Roeg’s 1976 science-fiction film The Man Who Fell To Earth, starring David Bowie, is being remade into a television series by CBS.

The film, which was directed by Roeg and written by Paul Mayersberg, is based on Walter Tevis’ novel of the same name which was first released in 1963. Telling the story of an extraterrestrial who crash lands on Earth, the film marked the first lead role in a film for the great David Bowie who played alongside the likes of Candy Clark, Buck Henry, and Rip Torn.

“Thomas Jerome Newton [played by David Bowie] is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet,” the official film synopsis reads. “Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.”

While the details of cast have yet to be revealed, Variety have confirmed that the writing duo of Jenny Lumet and Star Trek actor Alex Kurtzman are helming the project as show runners, producers and writers.

Kurtzman, who has been selected to direct the series, has revealed that the show will explore “the next chapter” with aspects taken from the film and novel. “Some strings will connect to both the novel and the film but if you haven’t seen the film or haven’t read the novel, it’s fine,” Kurtzman told Variety. “You’ll get to have an experience that’s entirely singular. If you have, you’ll have the benefit of understanding the history of the world that both of those things set up.”

Lumet added: “We loved the emotional moments in the book and we loved the visual spectacle of the movie. We’re taking it forward.”

Still in the early planning phase, CBS have yet to announce a proposed release date for the new series.

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