Perhaps stepping in before NBC can make a movie about another one of its shows, ABC has given the green light to a movie about backstage shenanigans on the set of its 1980s soap “Dynasty.”
“Dynasty: Behind the Scenes” will offer up a “satirical yet poignant” take on the show, the network says, viewed through the way it reflected the culture of the 1980s. (“Dynasty” premiered on Jan. 12, 1981, eight days before Ronald Reagan became president, and ran through the 1988-89 season.)
Pamela Reed and Ritchie Singer will star as Esther and Richard Shapiro, the married couple who created the show and initially wanted to do a more high-minded television drama on the effect wealth has on a family.
When “Dynasty” started slowly, however, the show changed gears and became the soapiest of prime-time soaps. The show took off with the introduction of Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington at the end of its first season.
The conflict between Alexis and Krystle Carrington (Linda Evans) was at the center of the show for most of its run and featured several memorable catfights between the two.
Production on “Dynasty: Behind the Scenes” recently began in Australia.
Alice Krige (“Star Trek: First Contact,” “The Mystery of Natalie Wood”) will play Collins in the film, while Melora Hardin (“The Hot Chick”) will portray Evans.
Aussie actor Bart John will play their co-star John Forsythe.
NBC has delved into ABC’s history twice in the past two seasons with its “Behind the Camera” telefilms about the series “Three’s Company” and “Charlie’s Angels.”