Power Receives NBC Commission for New Robinson Crusoe Remake

LONDON, October 1: NBC has commissioned the U.K.’s Power to
produce a new, 13-part, hour-long series based on the classic Robinson
Crusoe novel, the first television remake
since the 1964 series.

Updated for a 21st-century audience, Power’s re-telling of Robinson
Crusoe will explore the perils and
challenges facing the famous castaway as he and his native friend Friday
struggle to survive on a desert island with little more than their wits.
Overcoming marauding militias, hungry cannibals, wild cats, starvation and
apocalyptic lightning storms, Crusoe dreams of the day he will be reunited with
his beloved family. The original novel was penned by Daniel Defoe and was first
published in 1719. The last television remake was first shown in the U.S. and
then screened a year later in the U.K. on the BBC.

“One of our key strategies is to look abroad for great
production partners,” said Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment
and Universal Media Studios. “This was an opportunity that made perfect sense
for us. Justin Bodle, Chris Philip and the team at Power create high-quality
productions and working jointly with Universal Media Studios, we know they will
combine to give new life to this classic tale of adventure.”

Added Justin Bodle, the founder and CEO of Power: “This deal
is the first for nearly 40 years where a leading British producer has received
an order directly from a U.S. network. It is hugely exciting to be producing a
network show for NBC, and to be working with Ben and his phenomenal creative
team. Power is consolidating on its reputation as the leading creator of
high-end event drama in Europe and Robinson Crusoe will be a landmark piece of television in more ways
than one.”