Director John Singleton has signed on to direct the film version of the 1980s NBC show The A-Team.

The show, which ran from 1983 to 87, was about four falsely accused Vietnam vets that are on the run. They helped out folks in need while dodging the authorities.

The film will be updated with the crew being Iraq vets. According to Variety, the story will include “oil tycoons and laser technology.”

The same article states that the screenplay was written by Jayson Rothwell. Rothwell previously wrote a Jean-Claude Van Damme direct to DVD flick (Second in Command) as well as 2004’s Blessed, in which Heather Graham is artificially impregnated with the Devil’s seed…I am not making that up.

Singleton has a pretty good track record. His directorial debut (Boyz in the Hood) snagged him two Oscar nominations and since then, he has generally had success at the box office. Of course he did write and direct the stinky remake of Shaft, but nobody is prefect.
The big question now is who will star?

The one rumor that seems to have at least some substance to it is that Ice Cube may be playing B.A. Baracus. Mr. T played him in the television series. I could see that. Ving Rhames came to mind, but I think he is a little old for the role…no offense intended as Ving is fantastic.

How about Common? The rapper turned actor did a nice job in both American Gangster and Smokin’ Aces.

I could see Ryan Reynolds or Chris Pine playing Face (Dirk Benedict in the original series), while George Clooney would seem to be the perfect Hannibal (George Peppard in the series).

Anyone else have suggestions for the starring roles?

Everything I have read says that it will be a little darker and more serious than the original series.