Ten years ago a crack commando unit were sent to prison by
a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly
escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles
underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as
soldiers of fortune.
If you have a problem... If no one else can help... and if you can find them -
Maybe you can hire:
The Characters - The Movie Remake
The A-Team was a massive hit during the 80's, with one of the most recognisable theme tunes ever, and is still loved - so much so that a new movie remake is on the cards. It made household names out of it's four main stars, and kids across the world played with action figures and playsets of Hannibal, Murdock, Face, BA and their easily recognisable black and red van. The series ran for five seasons and although the fifth and last season lost some of it's magic, many fans believe it could have continued...
COLONEL JOHN 'HANNIBAL' SMITH
(played by George Peppard)
Hannibal, famous for his catchphrase - "I love it when a plan comes together" - was the leader of The A-Team, and was a master of disguise.
George Peppard was a well known face from way before his role as Hannibal in The A-Team. It is however, this role that has got him known to many generations since... due to The A-Team's long running popularity. Unfortunately Peppard died in the late 1990's
LIEUTENANT TEMPLETON 'FACE' PECK
(played by Dirk Benedict)
(Originally played by Tim Dunigan)
'Face' was the con man, the guy who would sweet talk people - especially the ladies, with his oozing charm and style.
Dirk Benedict is best known for his role as Face, but before that he starred in the ever popular sci-fi series Blakes 7. Apparently Tim Dunigan, who played Face in the pilot 'Mexican Slayride' was sacked for two reasons - the first was that Benedict was apparently the original choice, and the second was that Dunnigan was too tall - towering over Mr.T (who supposed to be the big guy!)
CAPTAIN 'HOWLING MAD' MURDOCK
(played by Dwight Schultz)
Murdock was one of the best loved TV characters of the 80's, and his love/hate relationship with BA was one that is hard to match. A former ace pilot, Murdock usually resided in a mental hospital (um... due to being insane - but was he really?)
Dwight Shultz is currently the only cast member still in the spotlight. Now just as famous for his role as Lieutenant Reginald Barclay in Star Trek:The Next Generation and Star Trek:Voyager, even scoring a cameo in Star Trek:First Contact. - Schultz has appeared in numerous TV Shows, including The Outer Limits.
SERGEANT BA BARACUS
(played by Mr.T)
Master Mechanic BA Baracus is one of the best known TV characters, even today. His 'no-nonsense' attitude was often imitated, and his relationship with Murdock well loved. Although the big hard scary character, BA was often the source of much amusement, if only due to his fear of flying (he was always either knocked out or drugged).
Mr.T, liked his character was well known and equally loved. With his trademark mass of jewellery, Mr.T never really escaped The A-Team, even with appearances opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III, and with Hulk Hogan in WWF wrestling... Last news I heard was that, sadly, Mr.T was battling cancer.
AMY ALLEN
(played by Melinda Culea)
A Newspaper reporter who called for the services of The A-Team, when her colleague was held captive by some Mexican guerrilas. Amy became one The A-Team, using her role as a reporter to aid them as and when. She left during the second season though.
As well as her role in The A-Team, Culea performed in such welcome productions as Knots Landing and Wagons East.
COLONEL RODERICK DECKER
(played by Lance LeGault)
The ruthless Colonel Decker was something of a nemesis for The A Team, tracking down the deserters where ever they may go, particulrly holding a hatred of Hannibal from their time together in Vietnam. Decker was the main bad guy for seasons 2-4.
LeGault's credits, other than The A-Team include Knight Rider, Mortal Kombat:Annihilation and Captain America. Apparently he was also a double for Elvis in his movies!
OTHER CHARACTERS
(pictured - Eddie Velez as 'Fishpan')
Over the series' five seasons, othere important characters included, The A-Team's first season bad guy Colonel Lynch, and season five's General Hunt Stockwell (played by Robert Vaughn) - the guy who actually captured The A-Team! There was also Frankie 'Fishpan' Santana - an explosives expert - who became a member of The A-Team in their fifth and final season.
2002 will see production begin on the big screen remake of the hit television series. Apparently the first draft of the script is complete, but it does need working on. Producers hope that the film will have a bit more heavy substance to it, but the characters and action will be fun to watch. The spokesperson said that they hope for a 'Leathal Weapon' kind of movie.
Casting hasn't begun yet, but rumours of possible cast are making their rounds.
'Hannibal' - the favourite is Mel Gibson
(Leathal Weapon, Mad Max), while both Tommy Lee Jones (Men In Black) and George
Clooney (Three Kings) have been rumoured.
'Face' - biggest name linked is Brad Pitt (Seven,
Ocean's Eleven), but apparently Christian Bale (American Psycho) and James
Marsden (X Men) have been linked.
Murdock - Owen Wilson (Zoolander, Meet The Parents)
has been linked, while big name Jim Carrey (The Truman Show as been
connected for a long time. I peronally think Ben Browder (Farscape)
would make a good Murdock.
BA - It's gonna be tough to replace Mr.T but names linked are Ving
Rhames (Mission:Impossible, Entrapment) and Michael Clarke Duncan
(Planet Of The Apes). Also, after seeing Three Kings, Ice Cube
could be considered.
There will be, of course, room for the original cast to appear. The most talked about one is the possible Dwight Schultz role - a doctor in charge of 'Murdock'. One original won't be returning as George Peppard sadly died in 199?.