Nineties nostalgia is getting a turbo boost, Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald are in early talks to adapt the iconic Knight Rider TV series into a feature film for Universal Pictures. The trio, renowned for rebooting The Karate Kid universe with Cobra Kai, could once again breathe new life into another beloved ’80s classic.
Originally, Knight Rider aired from 1982 to 1986 and followed the adventures of Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) alongside K.I.T.T., an intelligent, indestructible Pontiac Trans Am, under the watchful eye of the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG). Since then, the franchise has spawned various efforts, including two TV movies in the ’90s, a short-lived spinoff, and a 2008 television reboot, all to varying degrees of success.
Now, with Cobra Kai masterminds steering the project, hopes are high for a polished cinematic reinvention that honours the original while offering something fresh reported cosmicbook.
Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg are in early talks to direct, while all three creators (Hurwitz, Schlossberg, and Heald) would write and produce the film through their production company, Counterbalance Entertainment.
Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, via their 87North banner (known for high-octane action fare), and Gary Barber and Chris Stone from Spyglass Media Group, are also on board as producers. And Universal’s development team, Matt Reilly (EVP, Production Development) and Tony Ducret (Director of Development), will oversee the project. An initial screenplay draft was written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, though further creative direction remains undisclosed.
The Cobra Kai cohort has built a reputation for revitalising nostalgic properties with wit and authenticity. Their success rebooting The Karate Kid into a string of acclaimed seasons proves their knack for honouring legacy while captivating new audiences. Given Knight Rider’s cult following and iconic status, which is thanks largely to the dynamic between Michael Knight and K.I.T.T., this team seems well suited to blend throwback charm with contemporary storytelling sensibility.
As of yet, no specifics have been shared on storyline or whether it leans more toward retro homage or futuristic reinvention. Also David Hasselhoff has not been confirmed, though he previously expressed willingness to return if approached with a “retro” feel. The project remains in early phases, meaning nothing has the green light yet or has been firmly scheduled.
Hurwitz, Schlossberg, and Heald will likely shape, or possibly rewrite the draft from Burrows and Mider. With the creative team attached, securing approval from Universal and building a production timeline will be key next steps. Loyal fans of the original may look forward to nods to the original series—like K.I.T.T.’s personality or the iconic theme, though how the creative team balances homage with innovation remains to be seen.
If anyone can bring Knight Rider roaring back into the spotlight, it’s the Cobra Kai creators, who’ve demonstrated a keen ability to respect the source material while making it feel relevant today. As development progresses, fans should stay tuned as the promises of a fresh yet faithful Knight Rider film could hit fast and hard.
