US to remake Only Fools and Horses

Here’s a show I just never expected to see having a US adaptation: Only Fools and Horses.

The UK sitcom originally aired from 1981 to 1991 starring David Jason.

Now John Leguizamo (ER, The Kill Point, Ice Age, Moulin Rouge) has signed for a multicamera comedy pilot with ABC Studios.

The US version “chronicles the misadventures of two streetwise brothers, Del (Leguizamo) and Rodney, and their aging grandfather as they concoct outrageous, morally questionable get-rich-quick schemes in their quest to become millionaires.”

Leguizamo has a development deal with ABC but if Only Fools And Horses doesn’t proceed to series, the network will develop a single-camera comedy inspired by Leguizamo’s professional, personal and family life in New York City. Which at least sounds a little more authentic.

This isn’t the first time the comedy has had a remake. The first was in The Netherlands, entitled Wat schuift’t? (What’s it worth?), the second was Portugal (O Fura-Vidas), and the third was Slovenia (Brat bratu).

The US has previously looked at an adaptation, first for MASH actor Harry Morgan, then for Steve Carell.

David Walliams and Matt Lucas once performed a sketch of what the show might be like if it was Americanised. They called it “Only Jerks and Horses.”

Which is probably on the money.

Source: Deadline