PASADENA, Calif.—Fox is trying to push forward its rebuilding process with a reliance on its past.
The network announced that it will make a new version of “Prison Break,” the action series that aired from 2005-2009. Both stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell are on board to reprise their roles as the brothers that were at the series’ center. No other details were made available.
Fox is also returning again to “24,” this time without star Kiefer Sutherland. It has ordered a pilot of a new series, “24: Legacy,” with a new cast and story about trying to stop the activation of terror cells inside the United States. Fox had already brought the original series back once before with the summer series “24: Live Another Day.”
This evening, Jan. 24, Fox is starting a six-episode new run of “The X-Files,” with stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. And it might not be the last of that series, either.
“We would love to do this again,” said Gary Newman, co-chairman and CEO of the Fox Television Group. “We would be on board if schedules could be worked out.”
Yearwood’s Role
Trisha Yearwood will play Mary, the mother of Jesus, in “The Passion,” a two-hour musical event airing live on Fox on March 20, which is Palm Sunday.
The country singer and wife of superstar Garth Brooks co-stars with singer Prince Royce, who plays the disciple Peter. Tyler Perry will host and narrate the show that unfolds at famous sites around New Orleans, his hometown.
“Being Christian, I love this story and I love the idea of it being told in a very modern way,” Perry said.
A procession of hundreds of people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross will travel from outside the Superdome to the live stage at Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.
The show focuses on the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth, including the Last Supper, his betrayal by Judas, his trial by Pontius Pilate and subsequent conviction, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Perry, who typically writes, acts and directs his own projects, is happy just to be along for the ride this time.
“In order to be a good leader, you have to be a good follower,” he said. “I’m here to listen and basically be told what to do. I’m absolutely going to enjoy every moment for me because it’s a vacation for me.”
Curry’s Back
Tim Curry, the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” is on board for Fox’s production of the show next fall. You'll hear him instead of see him, though: Curry will be a narrator of the story, instead of playing his old role.
