One of the best Elmore Leonard adaptations ever, and one of the best films of 1995, “Get Shorty” captured the author’s attitude and spirit on the page and brought it to life on the big screen without a missing a beat. And it was certainly like catching lightning in a bottle, because everything “Get Shorty” did right, the sequel “Be Cool” did horribly wrong. But there’s no doubt about the source material, and in the latest movie-to-go-TV, Leonard’s book and movie is making the crossover.
Epix has ordered a series based on “Get Shorty,” but it’s going to change up a few details. Firstly, the setting is being moved from Miami to Nevada, and the lead character won’t be named Chili Palmer, but the decidedly less cool Miles Daly. But otherwise, the basic premise — criminal thug gets involved in the movie business — is staying the same. And I guess with Nevada’s proximity to California/Hollywood, that updated setting makes sense. But the show will have a very high bar to reach in terms of besting the breezy movie, so we’ll see how this goes.
“Get Shorty” is coming together fairly quick, with Davey Holmes (“Shameless,” “In Treatment“) writing and executive producing, with the plan to get cameras rolling this fall, and a debut eyed for 2017. Casting for this one is going to be pretty crucial. Who do you want to see as Chili/Miles or Harry Zimm? Let us know in the comments section. [THR]