Five To Watch: TV’s Hottest Reboots (2012)

A host of reinterpretations of popular characters and stories could be coming to screens soon. Among those in the works, include “The Carrie Diaries,” which brings to life the teenage years of sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw, a reimagined “Hannibal” with the fresh-faced FBI agent William Graham, and a gender-bending “Sherlock Holmes”. Also in the works are two “Beauty and the Beast” remakes.

Here’s a rundown of what to keep your eye out for, as Access looks at five popular reboots coming soon…

“Sex and The City” vs.“The Carrie Diaries”

Then: In 1998, “Sex and The City” (inspired by Candace Bushnell’s New York Observer columns, and later, her book) became an instant success for HBO, spotlighting “it” girl Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) as she dove heart first into her romantic relationships. The girly friendships of Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristen Davis) and Carrie, combined with their love life ups and downs, became must-see TV and helped mold the ladies’ stilettos into the cement of pop culture history. The successful show even spawned two big screen films, and constant rumors about a third.

Now: In “The Carrie Diaries,” currently in pilot form for The CW, AnnaSophia Robb is bringing to life a youthful Carrie Bradshaw during her late high school years in the 1980s. The new version will document the teen, as she’s raised by her father (following the death of her mother). Fans will also meet Carrie’s sister, Dorrit, played by “Running Wilde’s” Stefania Owen. The CW has picked up the pilot and ordered the show to series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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“Red Dragon” vs. “Hannibal”

Then: In 2002, Edward Norton brought to life Will Graham, the once retired FBI agent who sought the help of imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in the hunt for another deeply disturbed serial killer, known as “The Tooth Fairy.” The “Silence of the Lambs” prequel was based on a novel of the same name by author Thomas Harris.

Now: British actor Hugh Dancy (“Confessions of a Shopaholic”) is stepping into the role of a younger Will Graham, before he left the FBI. The 13-episode series, coming to NBC, will focus on Will while he was still under the mentorship of Dr. Hannibal Lecter (before anyone found out the academic was into fava beans with a side of human). NBC has yet to confirm who will play the iconic Hannibal Lecter. At their upfront presentation, NBC announced the series would be debut mid-season.

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“Sherlock Holmes” vs. “Elementary”

Then: Sherlock Holmes is one of the most popular characters in Hollywood history, and the role holds the Guiness Book of World Records record for being the Most Played Detective on television. In fact, he’s been played by more than 30 actors across worldwide small screens, including, most recently on the PBS hit, which features Benedict Cumberbach (as title character Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (Dr. Watson) and commences its second season this May. Additionally, in 2009, “Sherlock Holmes” became an action packed film, helmed by Guy Ritchie, and starring Robert Downey Jr. as the eccentric detective, alongside Jude Law as Dr. John Watson. It was so popular on the big screen, a sequel — “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” — was released in 2011.

Now: Former “Dexter” baddie and previous star of the short-lived ABC drama “Eli Stone,” Brit Jonny Lee Miller has assumed the Sherlock guise for “Elementary,” for CBS. Jonny plays a post-rehab detective who helps the NYPD with various cases, TV Guide previously reported. Lucy Liu transforms from “Southland” Officer Jessica Tang to female sidekick Joan Watson, while Aidan Quinn will play NYPD Captain Gregson, per Deadline. CBS announced the show was picked up for series at their Upfront Presentation in NYC and will air Thursday nights in the fall.

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1980s “Beauty and The Beast” vs. “Beauty and The Beast”

Then: After going gun-to-gun with “The Terminator” in 1984, actress Linda Hamilton continued a new crusade for humanity three years later, as Assistant District Attorney Catherine Chandler, in CBS’ “Beauty and the Beast,” with help from Ron Perlman as Vincent (the Beast). Lasting just three seasons, the show had romance, drama and a secretive community that lived under the city.

Now: Few details are currently available about The CW’s reboot of the late 1980s show, but “Smallville’s” Kristin Kreuk has been cast as Catherine, a female cop. Opposite of Kreuk, Australian important Jay Ryan plays an Afghanistan war vet that evolves into the “beast” when upset. The Hollywood Reporter announced The CW pilot has been picked up and ordered to series along with “First Cut,” “Cult” and the “The Carrie Diaries.”

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Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” vs. “Beauty and The Beast”

Then: It may have been a, “tale as old as time,” but in 1991, Disney brought to life the animated feature “Beauty and the Beast” — a charming reimagining of the ages old fairytale. Transformed into a children’s classic, complete with talking household cooking and cleaning utensils, Belle was wooed by the Beast, fell in love, broke the curse that made him the beast and they lived “happily ever after.”

Now: Like they did for the Snow White tale with “Once Upon A Time,” ABC (owned by Disney) is reimaging “Beauty and the Beast,” making Irish actress Ruth Bradley the tough Princess Grace. Darius Campbell (a former contestant of Season 1 of “Pop Idol” in the UK, the show that spawned “American Idol”) is playing the mysterious beast, Shiro, per the Irish Film & Television Network. Alan Dale, formerly of “Lost” and Prince Charming’s adopted dad (by force) on “OUAT,” will play Emperor Dorian, according to Variety. The network has yet to announce a premiere date.

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