‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’: Spin-off series based on Miloš Forman’s 1975 classic in the works
Fifty years on and Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest has stood the test of time and remains a top-tier cinematic creation. While still being included in modern discourse, it is inevitable that a prequel, sequel, remake or spin-off is in talks.
That being said, a certain someone with a familial connection to the original film’s production has announced that a spin-off series is in the works. In an appearance on the CK Café podcast, Paul Zaentz, the nephew of the film’s original producer Saul Zaentz, said, “Just now, I’ve signed an agreement with Ken Kesey’s widow to develop a TV series which we’ll make through the point of view of the Chief for the first season. Following the first season, we’ll see what happens to the Chief after he escapes [from the psychiatric hospital].”
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was based on a book written by Ken Kesey. The author famously held a grudge against the film as it strayed away from the book. While the protagonist of the novel was Chief Bromden, Forman took the liberty to shift the perspective from the towering and silent Native American to the lazy prison transferee Randle McMurphy.
This is not the first time that a spin-off of the 1975 classic has been attempted. The story Nurse Mildred Ratched—the tyrannical head administrative nurse of a psychiatric ward—was adapted into a Netflix show. But like most recycled material, the Sarah Paulson-starrer failed to hold ground and was cancelled after the first season.
Actor Michael Douglas, who also bankrolled the original flick, announced last month that a restored version of the Forman directorial will be at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in Czech Republic, which began on Friday. According to Deadline, the 4k restoration will also be screened in 1,000 theatres across the United States this month.
About ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’
In a psychiatric ward ruled by the icy Nurse Ratched, rebellious Randle McMurphy fakes insanity to dodge prison labour but finds himself in a deeper trap. As he ignites chaos and hope among the inmates, the line between madness and sanity blurs in this tragic, darkly comic rebellion against oppressive authority. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, William Redfield, Brad Dourif, and Danny DeVito.
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