"Dolemite" redo gets kick-start

By Carolyn Giardina

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The 1975 "blaxploitation" action comedy "Dolemite" will get to fight another day.

The title character -- created by comedian-writer-producer Rudy Ray Moore -- is an ex-con who joins forces with a squad of "kung-fu fighting girls" and other allies as he tries to regain control of his nightclub. Moore will executive produce and might have a role in the remake.

"I think there is a certain sincerity in the original that is kind of undeniable," said Bill Fishman, who bought the remake rights and will direct the film. "(Moore's) a cult figure and a luminary ... He's an original.

"(We are) giving enough respect to the original and building on it," added Fishman, whose credits included "Car 54, Where are You?" and "Tapeheads." "We are going to use some of the original one liners. (Moore's) eminently quotable."

Fishman's Fallout Entertainment banner is in the initial stages of casting and has had discussions with several stars of comedy and hip-hop, including Snoop Dogg.

Fishman hopes to begin production in the fall. The film is set in Los Angeles, but he said there are discussions about shooting in New Orleans.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter