Ice Cube is not ashamed to admit that when it comes to "Welcome Back, Kotter," the 1970s series that helped launch John Travolta's acting career, there "was no bigger fan than me." And Cube is thrilled about his latest role — as the lead in Hollywood's big-screen adaptation of the sitcom classic.

According to Variety, Ice Cube has signed on to both star in and produce "Welcome Back, Kotter," and the rapper's "very excited to be able to put a new twist on it." The rapper/actor — who executive produces the FX reality series "Black. White." — has inked a deal with Dimension Films, the company that will be releasing "Kotter." Production is expected to begin this fall with Tom Brady ("The Hot Chick," "The Animal") in final negotiations to direct and write the script.

Cube will assume the role of a wisecracking teacher who returns to the rough inner-city high school from which he graduated. There he encounters the next generation of unruly, underprivileged troublemakers — who are as apathetic about education as he once was. In the original series, Mr. Kotter was played by Gabe Kaplan. Travolta played Vinnie Barbarino, a scatterbrained himbo and the unofficial leader of a gang of students nicknamed the "Sweathogs."

--Zzzz.

Source: MTV News

Posted by Lawren at March 15, 2006 07:46 AM | Trackbacks (2)

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  You Said

  Wow with directing credits like "The Hot Chick" and "The Animal", how can this guy not be good. :)

  Says: M@ at March 15, 2006 07:52 AM

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  I liked Ice Cube in Barbershop-the first one-but that's about it.

  Says: Nanc' at March 15, 2006 08:08 AM

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  see my comment 2 posts up

  Says: at March 15, 2006 10:57 AM

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  yes, i'm with you about the damn remakes and adaptations. all the film students in this world and NOTHING original?!?!

  Says: at March 15, 2006 11:17 AM

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  I think this movie will suck, but Ice Cube was great as Doughboy in Boyz in the Hood.

  Says: Hutch... at March 15, 2006 08:27 PM

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  What about Friday? One of the BEST movies ever.

  Says: Chip at March 16, 2006 05:28 PM

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