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The initial plan was to simply update the classic 1970s cop series 'Starsky and Hutch' for the big screen and set it in present-day Los Angeles.
However, when writer/director Todd Phillips and company decided it would be better served as a period piece, costuming and set design expenses rose, and co-financing was sought. No official word on budget for the picture, but insiders say it is already north of $60 million.
It helps that Phillips made a three-year, first-look deal with Dimension and its Miramax Films parent last summer, and that his upcoming 'Old School' is testing to very high numbers. Phillips co-wrote the 'Starsky' script with Scott Armstrong.
And Bob Weinstein, chief of Dimension Films has come on board to co-finance the Warner Bros. action comedy, which stars Ben Stiller as Det. David Starsky, Owen Wilson as Det. Kenneth Hutchinson and Snoop Dogg as their streetwise informant, Huggy Bear.
Though a spokeswoman for Warner Bros. would not confirm the co-financing negotiations, however insiders familiar with the situation say a pact is expected to be announced shortly. A spokeswoman for Dimension Films in Los Angeles could not comment on the pact, either.
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