Scott Bakula, star of the cult ‘90s sci-fi series Quantum Leap has hinted at the possibility of a fresh series reboot. Created by producer Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of other television giants such as Magnum P.I., JAG, and NCIS, Quantum Leap debuted in 1989 and ran for five seasons. Widely considered to be one of the most popular television series of all time, the show garnered a swathe of awards throughout its original run and inspired several spinoff novels and a comic book series.
Featuring Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, an experimental physicist who theorized that it was possible to travel through time during the span of one’s own lifetime, the series was applauded for both its humor and thoughtful social commentary. When the US Government threatened to pull Beckett’s funding, he took it upon himself to test his prototype time-travel device and ultimately found himself repeatedly flung through time, inhabiting other people’s bodies and put in positions where he had to right historical mistakes. The series also starred screen veteran Dean Stockwell as Beckett’s friend, Admiral Al Calavicci, who was able to appear to Bakula’s to the time-jumping scientist as a hologram.
Over the years, several rumors surrounding a possible continuation or revival have surfaced, and most recently Bakula himself has suggested that “very significant conversations” about a series reboot are currently underway. Speaking on Bob Saget’s podcast (via THR), Bakula admits that the biggest hurdle rests in sorting out the relevant rights to the series. Check out his full comment below:
There’s very significant conversations about it right now going on. I don’t know what it would be. I don’t know who would have it. The rights were a mess for years. I don’t know if they’re even sorted out now. That’s always been the biggest complication.
This is not the first time a Quantum Leap series revival or reboot has been teased. Back in 2002, the SyFy Channel announced they were looking at developing a made-for-TV movie that would also serve to lead into a potential new series. Then, in 2010, Bakula revealed that Bellisario was planning to write a script for a Quantum Leap film, something that the producer himself confirmed was actually completed back in 2017. Unfortunately, however, nothing has yet managed to materialize despite these promising announcements.
One thing is for certain, however: is if the rights issues ever get fully sorted out, fans will be keen to see the show return to their screens. With other classic shows like The Wonder Years getting fresh reboots, the time is certainly ripe for Quantum Leap's triumphant return to television screens. The only question that fans will be left wondering, is if the show does indeed get moved into active development, is whether or not Bakula’s Sam Beckett will also return.
Source: THR