'Roots' remake in works from History cable network

Roots is making History. Or, History is making Roots.

The cable channel has confirmed that it has acquired rights to the classic 1977 miniseries, starring Levar Burton, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Ed Asner and many others, as well as the book on which it was based, Roots: the Saga of an American Family. Deadline Hollywood reported the development first.

Plans are for an eight-hour version of the original 12-hour miniseries, according to Deadline. Mark Wolper, son of David L. Wolper, the late executive producer of Roots, is on board as executive producer of the History remake. The cable network approached him and the estate of author Alex Haley about remaking the award-winning drama after Michael Stiller, vice president, development and programming, suggested the project.

"We would like to revive that cultural icon for a new audience," Dirk Hoogstra, History's executive vice president and general manager said to Deadline. Discussions with writers for the project are set to begin.