NBC has handed out a hefty put-pilot commitment to a sequel to 2008 feature "Marley & Me."
From "The Big C" and "Sex and the City" alum Jenny Bicks, the single-camera comedy will pick up where the Fox 2000 Pictures/Regency Enterprises film, itself based on John Grogan's best seller, left off.
John, who was played by Owen Wilson in the film, and Jenny Grogan, played by Jennifer Aniston, and their two boys, now 14 and 11, have just moved back to Florida so that John can take up his newspaper column again.
However, when a stray puppy ("owned," but not well, by their neighbors) ends up on their doorstep, they are forced to adopt it.
This dog, named Marley for the fact that they use Marley's old leash and tags on her, is as willful, destructive and delightful as her original namesake.
And she will help shed light not only on the growing pains of the Grogan family, but also the lives of the neighbors, and fellow dog-owners, around them.
Bicks will pen the script and executive produce the comedy for 20th Century Fox Television, where she's under an overall deal.
"Marley & Me" feature film director David Frankel will exec produce and helm the pilot should the comedy move forward.
Karen Rosenfelt, who produced the original movie, is also on board to executive produce.
The film grossed $242.7 million worldwide and earned a Teen Choice Awards for "bromantic comedy."
"Marley & Me" joins a rapidly growing list of TV remakes in the works this development season as networks look to cut through the clutter in an increasingly competitive scripted landscape.
