NBC recently announced its plans of making a sequel to the hit feature film "Marley & Me." The sequel, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, will be in the form of a comedy television series, and will begin where the film left off. Jenny Bicks, writer for "Sex and the City" and "The Big C," has reportedly signed on to work on the project.
The Fox 2000 Pictures/ Regency Enterprises big screen adaptation of John Grogan's best-selling book was shown in theaters in 2008, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. The story centers on the life of John Grogan (Wilson) and his new wife Jenny (Aniston) as they try to balance their careers and their desire to start a family. In the midst of it all is their adopted dog, Marley.
The film spans 14 years in the life of the Grogans. Through their ups and downs as individuals and as a family, through the growing up years of their two sons, their beloved Labrador retriever is there. Marley finally dies due to old age and a stomach condition.
The sequel-TV series is said to commence after the events in the movie. The couple, along with their kids, move back to Florida. There, a stray Labrador retriever puppy comes to their home and the family is obliged to adopt it. They give it the name Marley since they use old Marley's leash on the puppy.
The story takes an interesting turn when Marley, with her persistent and charming nature, brings about mixed emotions in the Grogan household. Despite causing tensions because of her behavior, the endless love and devotion that the dog shows toward the family overpowers all.
Not only does she teach the Grogans the true meaning of commitment, she also helps enlighten the lives of their neighbors and everyone else who witnesses her behaviors.
Other than writing the script, Bicks will also executive produce the TV adaptation along with producer Karen Rosenfelt and director David Frankel, both of whom were involved in the original film. Frankel will reportedly direct the pilot episode should the TV series push through.
With NBC's efforts to turn "Marley & Me" into a series, other networks have also focused on their own TV remakes. These include Fox's "Monster-in-Law," CBS's "Rush Hour" and CW's "The Illusionist," among others.
