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Tag: Roots

  • Anna Paquin Joins Cast of ‘Roots’ Remake

    Anna Paquin has joined the cast of the upcoming A&E remake of Roots. Roots was originally released in 1977 as a TV miniseries. It followed a young African man named Kunta Kinte, who was sold into slavery in colonial America.

    Now filming in New Orleans, Anna Paquin will play the role of Nancy Holt. Holt is the wife of a Confederate soldier, and has her own agenda–one that differs completely from that of her husband–regarding the handling of the slaves.

    Paquin is best known for her role as Sookie Stackhouse on HBO’s True Blood. She even married her True Blood costar Stephen Moyer. Her role garnered several Teen Choice Awards nominations.

    Back in March it was announced that Anna Paquin would star in an HBO miniseries called Madame X, to be produced by Jack Black. Anna Paquin will also serve as executive producer.

    The role of Nancy Holt in the upcoming Roots remake is a vast cry from most of the roles Anna Paquin has played. Fans are likely thrilled to learn she has been cast in the four-part miniseries.

    Roots is set to air on A&E some time in 2016.

  • “Roots” Remake in the Works with History Network

    The historically ground-breaking television mini-series may be making its way back to cable television. However, it won’t be the classic 1977 version, based on Alex Haley’s original screenplay. Like most notable films, “Roots” has been selected for a remake.

    According to CBS News, the History network announced on Tuesday that a deal had been reached with film producer, Mark Wolper to acquire rights to remake the film. For those who aren’t familiar with Wolper’s work, he actually produced, the film sequel, “Roots: The Gift,” back in 1988. The notable producer has a history with executive production of television movies, series, documentaries, and mini-series. Wolper’s father, David, is also credited as the producer of the original “Roots” mini-series. The project is still in the early developmental stages, which means there is still a substantial chance that it won’t make it to production.

    The original production of “Roots” captured the grueling generational oppression of a slave family. The film chronicled more than 300 years of the family’s lineage. “Roots” garnered 37 Emmy Award nominations, and nine wins. The film also received a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award.

    The History network has been relatively successful with their latest mini-series releases. The network is also responsible for the full-length dramatization of “Hatfields & McCoys,” with Kevin Costner, and the 10-hour mini-series of “The Bible.” The History network received a number of laudable accolades for the production of “The Bible.” The film attracted an average of approximately 11 million viewers, and received three Emmy nominations.

    While great strides will be required to top the staggering 100 million viewers that the original series received, the network definitely has a reputation of delivering where mini-series are concerned. If their “Roots” remake is anything comparable to their recent productions, then fans can expect the new mini-series to be a modernized masterpiece. If everything goes according to plan, the film should be slated for a 2015 release.


    Image via Wikimedia Commons | Roots (TV Series)

  • “Roots” Remake May Come to History Channel

    “Roots” Remake May Come to History Channel

    The History Channel is getting ready to ride the wave of their miniseries success, and remake a classic miniseries, “Roots”, according to AP. History has found enormous success with it’s two most recent ventures, “The Bible” and “Hatfields and McCoys”, and will hopefully continue that success in “Roots”.

    The network said Tuesday that it had wrapped up talks and had made a deal with Mark Wolper, the son of the man behind the original, David Wolper. History will aquire the rights to remake the 1977 classic, and the project is now in development. The project could still fall through, but if it doesn’t, it should be on TV sometime in 2015.

    The original miniseries, which was produced on a budget of $6.6 million, was based on the 1976 novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by famed author Alex Haley. “Roots” received an astounding 37 Emmy Award nominations. The miniseries won nine Emmys along with a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award. The show still holds a Nielsen ratings record as the third highest rated television program of all time.

    The show starred LeVar Burton in his breakout role as Kunta Kinte, from which he went on to play roles such as Geordi La Forge on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and to have his own children’s show on PBS, “Reading Rainbow”.

    When asked about the social impact of the incredibly successful miniseries, Burton is quoted as saying, “It expanded the consciousness of people. Blacks and whites began to see each other as human beings, not as stereotypes. And if you throw a pebble into the pond, you’re going to get ripples. I think the only constant is change, and it’s always slow. Anything that happens overnight is lacking in foundation. Roots is part of a changing trend, and it’s still being played out.”

    Image via wikipedia