"Knight Rider," NBC's iconic 1980s television classic that became a runaway success, comes roaring back to life on the network with an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie event on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET). NBC unveiled the new customized KITT Ford Mustang to be featured in the series in a press event held at NBC's Burbank Studios today.
The movie stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case," "All My Children"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS," "The Young and the Restless"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars," "Grindhouse") and Bruce Davison ("Breach," "Close to Home"). In addition, David Hasselhoff (NBC's "America's Got Talent") -- who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series -- returns as the same character in a special guest-star appearance. Will Arnett (NBC's "30 Rock," "Blades of Glory") will provide the voice of KITT.
Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") serve as executive producers. NBC also has an arrangement with Ford Motor Company that provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie.
There are actually three cars to be employed in the series. They include the KITT Hero -- a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower; the KITT Attack -- a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts -- and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR version of the Hero vehicle.
As the original story resumes, the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.
Sarah Graiman is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.
Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.
David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill ("Dexter," "The Tudors"), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.
More about exAMCer, Justin Bruening
Justin Bruening stars in NBC’s two-hour movie “Knight Rider” as Mike Tracer, estranged son of Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff), which actually makes him Michael Knight, Jr.
Originally from a small town in Nebraska, with a population of 85 people, Bruening graduated high school with the other nine members of his class. Following graduation, Bruening moved to San Diego and was discovered at a local McDonald's by a modeling agent. Next came his first modeling job in an Abercrombie & Fitch advertising campaign. Soon after, he began to study acting and was noticed by the casting director at the daytime drama “All My Children.” He joined the cast in July 2003, playing the contract role of Jamie Martin.
While working on “All My Children,” Bruening played Jamie Martin, son of Tad Martin, played by real life actor, Michael E. Knight. To double the coincindence, Knight's ex wife, Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, One Life to Live), was once married to David Hasselholf, who played (plays) the character of Michael Knight in "Knight Rider."
Bruening also guest-starred on the comedy “Hope and Faith” and the short lived series “3 lbs.” Additionally, he gave a memorable performance in the feature-film festival favorite “Fat Girls.” He was also featured as one of “Daytime’s Hottest Stars” in Teen People, Us Weekly, Star and J-14 magazines.
After leaving “All My Children” in the summer of 2007 to relocate to Los Angeles with his wife, actress and “All My Children” co-star Alexa Havins, Bruening immediately landed guest-starring roles on “Cold Case” and “CSI: Miami.”
A mere two months after his arrival, he was cast in the role of Mike Tracer in “Knight Rider.”
Bruening currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Alexa. His birthday is September 24.
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