Say it isn't true. Has Will Arnett been replaced as the voice of KITT on NBC's Knight Rider?Sad but true, gentle readers. Arnett (Arrested Development's G.O.B. Bluth) has been replaced on the two-hour backdoor pilot by none other than, um, Val Kilmer. (Whah?)
The reason behind the switcheroo, less than two weeks before the pilot is scheduled to air on NBC, is due to a behind-the-scenes conflict with Arnett's other gig, as the voice of GMC Trucks, owned by General Motors.
KITT, of course, is a Ford Mustang and the company is "taking an active role in the marketing and branding of the pic," according to Variety. When General Motors found out about the sponsorship deals already in place, they asked Arnett to leave the project.
"I was very excited at the prospect of playing the part of KITT in the new Knight Rider movie," said Arnett. "However, because of a long relationship with General Motors as the voice of GMC Trucks, I had to respectfully withdraw from the project."
Sadly, Arnett's involvement was perhaps the most exciting thing about the project. And I for one was anxious for the day when I'd again get to hear Arnett spit out the name "Michael."
Alas, it was not to be.
Knight Rider airs Sunday, February 17th at 9 pm on NBC.
Comments
Anyway, this doesn't do much to change my already-low expectations for the entire project. ;)
As for Kilmer, I agree with your "Whah!" JAce, although I think it's more of a "WHAAAAHH?" Moment.
ONe more thing I'm sure Arnett will make a lot more money with the GMC deal for a lot less time than KR would have made him.