Star film and television producer Will Packer recently renewed his production deal with Universal Television. The two-year extension will keep Packer’s Will Packer Productions on board with the company through 2017.
Having produced box-office hits like Think Like a Man and The Wedding Ringer, Packer will now spend more time focusing on the world of television. This fall he is set to produce sitcoms for both ABC and NBC, as well as a revival of the classic saga “Roots,” which will air next year on A&E, History and Lifetime.
Packer’s ABC slated sitcom, “Uncle Buck,” which will star Mike Epps, is a send-up of the 1989 John Hughes-directed film of the same name that starred the late John Candy. Meanwhile his NBC sitcom, “People Are Talking,” will star former “Saved By the Bell” star Mark Paul-Gosselaar, Bresha Webb, Tone Bell, and Vanessa Lachey in a plot that will feature two couples who happen to be neighbors and best friends.
“Will Packer is energetic, passionate, creative and wants to win,” said Universal Television president Bela Bajaria. “He is a collaborative partner, a hands-on producer, and is absolutely the best dressed!”
NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke was equally ecstatic in singing Packer’s praises.
“Will Packer has become such a fantastic addition to our Universal family,” Salke beamed. “We are lucky to have such an enthusiastic and prolific producer so engaged in network television. Will, Korin and their team truly have their fingers on the pulse of entertaining and fun.”
In addition to the upcoming sitcoms, Packer is also putting the finishing touches on the sequel to the record-breaking movie, Ride Along, which is scheduled to hit theaters at the top of 2016.
