Writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade ("Skyfall") will update the CBS TV series "Kojak" as a feature film for Universal, starring actor Vin Diesel, who will also co-produce with Samantha Vincent for One Race Films.
The original "Kojak" TV series was created by Oscar winner Abby Mann, as a gritty police procedural, focusing on institutionalized prejudice and civil rights of suspects and witnesses, starring actor Telly Savalas ("The Dirty Dozen") as New York City 'Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak'.
The series aired October 24, 1973 to March 18, 1978.
"...'Lieutenant Theodore ('Theo') Kojak (Savalas) is a dapper, New York City policeman, fond of 'Tootsie Roll Pops' and using the catchphrase, 'Who loves ya, baby?'.