Regency and 20th Century Fox are overhauling the big screen adaptation of TV series Dallas, about the oil-rich Ewing clan, and this time they’re drilling for laughs.
Variety says Betty Thomas, the director who mined two spoof movie hits from “The Brady Bunch,” is in discussions to direct. Pam Brady, who most recently scripted Hot Rod, is penning the script.
John Travolta remains attached to play slimy oil tycoon J.R. Ewing.
When the movie was derailed late last year, Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) was directing. Luke Wilson was attached to play Bobby Ewing with Shirley MacLaine to play Miss Ellie, while producers were talking with Meg Ryan to play Sue Ellen after Jennifer Lopez dropped out.
The studio is eyeing a January start date.
