Akiva Goldsman is set to bring new life to three classic Irwin Allen sci-fi series – Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, and The Time Tunnel – under a unified vision with Legendary Television. As reported by Deadline, the Oscar-winning writer, producer, and director will reimagine these iconic shows with modern sensibilities, expanding upon his track record of revitalizing genre franchises.
A Fresh Take on Sci-Fi Classics
Legendary Television, which previously reimagined Lost in Space for Netflix, is now focusing on Allen’s other beloved properties. Goldsman, known for his work on I Am Legend, The Da Vinci Code, and Star Trek: Picard, will lead the creative effort alongside executive producer Jon Jashni and co-producer Derek Thielges.
Each of the three series originally aired on ABC in the 1960s, captivating audiences with their high-concept storytelling:
- Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964-1968): A futuristic adventure following the nuclear submarine Seaview, captained by Admiral Harriman Nelson (Richard Basehart) and Lee Crane (David Hedison), as they navigated global threats beneath the ocean’s surface.
- The Time Tunnel (1966-1967): A time-travel series featuring two scientists, Dr. Douglas Phillips (Robert Colbert) and Dr. Anthony Newman (James Darren), who become lost in history while their colleagues struggle to bring them back to the present.
- Land of the Giants (1968-1970): A sci-fi drama set in the year 1983, where a sub-orbital spacecraft, Spindrift, crash-lands on a planet inhabited by giants, forcing its crew to survive against overwhelming odds.
Legendary’s Expanding Sci-Fi Slate
While Lost in Space was previously rebooted by Legendary Television for Netflix (2018-2021), this new project will not include that franchise. Instead, the studio is aiming to create a new interconnected sci-fi universe with Goldsman at the helm. His continued success with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, now heading into its fourth season, suggests he has the experience and vision to modernize these classics while staying true to their adventurous roots.
The announcement comes at a time when nostalgic reboots and cinematic universes dominate the entertainment landscape. Goldsman’s involvement signals a serious commitment to honoring the legacy of Irwin Allen’s work while crafting fresh narratives for new generations of sci-fi fans.
There is no official release timeline yet, but with Legendary Television’s backing and Goldsman’s creative leadership, anticipation is already building for how these classic series will be reintroduced to modern audiences.