I Dream of Jeannie Movie Gets New Writer - Movie News

I Dream of Jeannie courtesy Sony Pictures Television

After being stuck in her bottle for several years, the film adaptation of I Dream of Jeannie looks ready to emerge and grant audiences' wishes.

Director Sid Ganis has hired Rita Hsiao to rewrite the script for the movie based on the iconic 1960s sitcom.

"[Hsiao] has a terrific, bright, fresh approach to Jeannie's story, with a twist and turn along the way," Ganis tells THR.com.

At least five other scripts have been written, but were rejected by either Ganis or Columbia Pictures for being too dark or not adhering to the orignal sitcom storyline.

"This is such a beloved and iconic character that it has to be told the right way," Ganis said. "Sometimes it takes time to get there."

Jessica Alba and Steve Carell are rumored to be in line to portray leads Jeannie and Major Nelson, though no casting announcements have been made. What's your take? How would you cast this film? — J.R. Whalen

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I Dream of Jeannie

Posted by

The Movie News Team

Jun 12, 2008 12:13 PM

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Scarlett Johanson would do a great job wriggling her nose!
Posted by Ranger99 Jun 12, 2008 2:06 PM Report Abuse

Jeannie doesn't wriggle her nose, that's Samantha from Bewitched. Jeannie crosses her arms and blinks.
Posted by hookem510 Jun 13, 2008 12:26 AM Report Abuse

Meaning no disrespect to Jessica Alba, who is very talented and beautiful, but... why Alba? Seriously, aren't there enough blond-haired, blue-eyed actresses in Hollywood to fill this role? It was bad enough that Alba was given the role of Sue Storm in Fantastic Four (with the overly bleached hair for the blonde look and the visibly fake blue contact lenses), let's not repeat the same mistake with Jeannie. And Steve Carrell? Funny guy, but enough already!

Posted by mousitsa

Jun 13, 2008 4:27 AM

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I would like to see Hagman and Eden made an appearance in the film, maybe as Major Healey's parents or, more likely, grandparents. Matthew Perry would be a great Tony Healey. He can play the whole frazzled military man quiet well, I think. As for Jeannie? Pick your favorite hot blonde!
Posted by StraightMaleViewer Jun 13, 2008 4:37 AM Report Abuse

The first thought that popped into my mind was Reese Witherspoon as Jeannie. Maybe Charlie Sheen as Major Nelson, Paul Rudd as Major Healey, and Michael Caine as Dr. Bellows?
Posted by lestremo Jun 13, 2008 5:06 AM Report Abuse

Jenna Elfman and Matthew Perry. Alba is not wacky enough. Steve Carrell does not have the bearing of an Air Force officer.
Posted by fleiter Jun 13, 2008 7:23 AM Report Abuse

Alex O'loughlin and Sophia MIles would be the perfect cast for I Dream of Jeannie. There chemistry is too hot for tv and would sizzle on the big screen.
Posted by moonlight4ever Jun 13, 2008 7:24 AM Report Abuse

ScarJo popped into my mind first.
Posted by emily86 Jun 13, 2008 7:35 AM Report Abuse

Charisma Carpenter as Jeannie. I love her, she has the looks and the talent to pull it off. As for Major Nelson, I like Jamie Bamber. Seriously just close your eyes and picture these two together.
Posted by cam625 Jun 13, 2008 7:45 AM Report Abuse

No disrespect to Jessica or Steve, but they would not be good in these roles. I like the idea of Scarlet J. playing Jeanie. Major Nelson, I would pick either Josh Darhamel(SP) from Las Vegas or The actor from Chuck I know Levy is his last name. I think he'd be good too. I just want someone with a little sex appeal to play Major Nelson and sorry Steve does not have that type of appeal.
Posted by arenner21 Jun 13, 2008 7:58 AM Report Abuse

I would pick nobody for either role, because this is a movie that doesn't need to be made!

I have not seen one movie makeover of a television series that even remotely came close to the vision and integrity of the small screen. They are usually just classless parodies of the show they are trying to portray!

Once again, can't we find original writers out there to come up with enough movies without resorting to remakes, sequels or spoofing television shows? If nothing else, start making more movies from many of the great novels out there; they would at least be entertaining (even though they never quite do as good a job as the original author either).

Posted by Jogirl021365

Jun 13, 2008 8:07 AM

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I think Tori Spelling would be perfect.
Posted by ksteines Jun 13, 2008 8:17 AM Report Abuse

Definitely Sarah Michelle Geller.
Posted by Skogie Jun 13, 2008 8:34 AM Report Abuse

How about Jaime Pressley as Jeannie? I think that Josh Radnor as Major Nelson would be a refreshing choice. As to Major Healey, how about his castmate, Jason Siegel? Steve Carell would be better suited as their older commanding officer, Bellowes. A remake would be fun. Just don't let the Jeannie role even consider dumb Jessica Simpson.
Posted by Nonny Jun 13, 2008 8:59 AM Report Abuse

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