MovieChat Forums > Night Stalker (2005) Discussion > Resurrect the original Kolchak: The Nig...

Resurrect the original Kolchak: The Night Stalker


Let's go back to the original theme of the 1974 television classic and its, monster myth of the week which in my opinion was its creativity, not its weakness as Darren McGavin felt, may his soul rest in peace in Heaven.

I propose a 2011 new Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

No, it's not Carl Kolchak but his early middle-aged nephew, Rick Kolchak. Rick is one of those Generation Y people, somewhat nerdy cool with their computer and gadget tech smarts. But Rick doesn't come across as a geek, more of a lightweight Renaissance man. Rick is taller than his late uncle, Carl, standing 5'11" to 6'0", stronger, and in better physical conditioning, which helps tremendously in physical altercations with the supernatural. Rick is much like the assertive pacifist of his late uncle, not provoking conflict, preferring to avoid a fight, but very capable of standing his own ground and defending himself if necessary. Rick is better prepared than Carl. Rick is an expert at aiki-jujutsu, also known as, aikijutsu. Therefore Rick's physical altercations are not wild brawls but sophisticated and smooth reactions

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From what I've read, Johnny Depp wants to do that with a retelling of the original "Night Stalker" movie. I feel that Johnny Depp would be quarky enough to bring Kolchak bck to life and not ruin Darren McGavin's vision of the role.

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Yeah! I didn't think of Johnny Depp, but he would be perfect. He's quirky enough for the part. Johnny Depp is 5'9", a little shorter than what I would have preferred, ie, 5'10" to 6'0", but that's a minor detail.

Johnny Depp is supposed to show up in the new incarnation of DARK SHADOWS, from what I've read. But he could still do NIGHT STALKER.

I prefer more than a movie re-make. I also want the television or cable series. Given the culture of the major studios and television networks with their emphasis on reality shows, cop and medical dramas, the only place for a new television NIGHT STALKER series would be on cable television, SY FY being the obvious selection.

The new cable television DARK SHADOWS series need not be that expensive to make. Even the special effects would only need to be limited. There would be little need for that awful CGI.

More, I prefer the weekly myth/legend/monster/superstition of the week. It gave the show flavor and the anticipation of something new to expect.

NOT TO DO: Silly concepts like the past episodes of the invisible alien; rampaging android; caveman. In fact the episodes that were most ridiculed were in fact the weekly myth/legend/superstition/monster themes.

P.S. I can't help it...I just have to once again express my disgust and ridicule of the short-lived 2005 remake of the Night Stalker with its moody, pretty-boy with his dark past and secrets...bull. I still hate it. And I didn't like his female Afro-American sidekick who competed with the new pretty boy Kolchak to see who had the smartest big mouth.

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