Small Screen Adaptations: Witches of Eastwick, Maid in Manhattan

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Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Comedy, Drama, Prime Time, ABC, News

Just when I thought ABC was making huge strides with programs like Pushing Daisies, the network decides to take a few creative steps back.

In the past week, it’s been announced that two motion pictures may be adapted for the small screen.

On Monday, Variety reported that John Updike’s novel about three witches (and a devilish man) may be getting new life. The Witches of Eastwick - which later became a 1987 film starring Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher - is now being redeveloped into a television pilot.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

This isn’t the first time Eastwick was considered as a possible series. Both NBC and FOX have toyed around with the concept before. Now, writer Maggie Friedman has been tasked with giving ABC’s version a try.

Meanwhile, the Alphabet network is also looking to adapt another movie with a female lead. ABC, with the help of co-executive producer Jennifer Lopez, may produce an hour-long dramedy based on Maid in Manhattan.

In the 2002 movie, Lopez played a Manhattan hotel worker from the Bronx. The single mother accidentally becomes involved with politician Ralph Fiennes when he mistakes her for a wealthy socialite.

Although the plan is to focus on a Latina in the hotel industry, the television version will revolve around the character’s working relationships…not necessarily her romances.

Can we say Ugly Betty?