In a bold resurrection of a reality TV classic, Warner Bros is preparing to breathe new life into the enduring “Gladiators” franchise.
Having aired in Australia for two seasons in 1995 and 1996 and enjoying a brief revival in 2008, Gladiators is now set to dazzle a new generation of viewers.
The forthcoming reboot, slated for filming in Sydney during September and October, is currently seeking Production Coordinators. The original series, broadcast on the Seven Network, held the rapt attention of over two million Australians per episode during its heyday. The show later re-emerged for a single season in 2008.
TV Blackbox can confirm the reboot will be finding a new home on Australian television with sources at Channel 7 confirming they are not the ones commissioning the revival.
Industry rumours suggest Channel 10 as the most likely home for the new look Gladiators, however a network spokesperson denied any knowledge of the project when contacted by TV Blackbox this week.
The Australian reboot comes at the same time as the BBC is filming an updated version of the classic series for UK fans. The BBC series is being promoted as featuring brand new games alongside classic challenges, as well as the fan-favourite obstacle course The Eliminator.
“Gladiators” was hailed as a unique television concept when it first graced Australian screens, its spectacle of physical prowess rivalled only by the more contemporary Australian Ninja Warrior.
The series, held within the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, boasted a triumvirate of hosts – Kimberley Joseph, Mike Hammond, and Aaron Pedersen – and was famously refereed by Mike Whitney of “Who Dares Wins” renown.
The hallmark of the series was its showcase of Challengers, who would compete in a series of confrontations against the Gladiators, a cadre of physical elites boasting superhero-esque names such as Vulcan, Storm, and Hammer. Signature trials included the Powerball and Pyramid challenges.
Finally!
Gotta be better than a 49th season of Ninja Warrior, at least it isn’t the same thing every week.
As long as it has the budget to be done properly. The 2008 revival was very cheap and tacky (and has aged terribly compared to the OG series)
As long as its done like the new UK to origional layout with original eliminator etc it be great
What’s going on with hammer and Taipan’s arm’s actually hammer in general is badly photoshopped look at his neck