Scotts, Carnahan join 'The A-Team'

Twentieth Century Fox has hired Ridley Scott and Joe Carnahan to develop its movie adaptation of The A-Team.

According to Variety, Scott and his brother Tony will produce through their Scott Free company, while Carnahan will replace the recently departed John Singleton in helming the project.

"Tony and I feel that marrying this Scott Free project with Joe's sensibility will result in a fast-paced, exciting franchise, one we hope will be around for years to come," said Ridley Scott.

Stephen J. Cannell, the creator of the 1980s TV show, will also produce.

The original series followed four Vietnam vets who escape from prison and become do-gooder mercenaries. Carnahan has revealed that the Middle East will replace Vietnam in the movie but that the premise will remain the same.

"You can...make a film that reflects on the real world without losing the great sense of fun and the velocity of action in a classic summer popcorn film," said Carnahan.

"This was a coveted property, and reimagining a show that I remembered as a kid was tough to turn down. Fox hired me to make it as emotional, real and accessible as possible without cheesing it up."

Production is scheduled to begin in June with a slated June 2010 release date.

Carnahan's previous directing credits include Narc and Smokin' Aces.