HOLLYWOOD - The big-screen remake of hit 1970s TV show Dallas is in more jeopardy after losing most of its cast and the original screenplay.
When the film was first announced, stars like Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta, Luke Wilson and Shirley MacLaine were reportedly on board, but now only Travolta remains attached.
Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha is currently due to direct Dallas after Legally Blonde director Robert Luketic dropped out over casting differences.
The script, written by Robert Harling, was rumored to be a hard-hitting, dramatic take on the classic TV show, but it has been dumped after disappointing test screenings.
According to reports, filmmakers conducted focus groups with small audiences in the Midwest, and producers decided it needed more laughs, which called for an entirely new, slapstick comedy script.
The film is now being rewritten as "a show-within-a-show" comedy, which is being compared to the remake of Bewitched, starring Nicole Kidman.
One source tells the New York Post's Page Six, "The script totally sucks."
Shooting was originally scheduled to start this month, but none of the major roles, except Travolta as J.R. Ewing, have been cast.
One insider adds, "It'll be a miracle if this film ever gets made."
Those connected with the project have been told filming won't begin until January when Travolta completes shooting the big-screen version of Hairspray.
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