Star Magazine is reporting that there’s a movie version of the classic late 70s sitcom Laverne and Shirley being planned, with new BFFs Jessica Biel and Jennifer Garner in talks to star. I would guess that Garner would be Shirley and Biel would play Laverne. Of course this is Star so the story could be a figment of someone’s imagination, but they have actual quotes from the creator Garry Marshall (star Penny Marshall’s brother) and I found an earlier story from last week that makes it sound possible. The text below is from Contact Music, and it’s more clearly worded than Star and seems to have some weight to it. (Again, this came out last week, but it’s news to me!)

PRETTY WOMAN director GARRY MARSHALL is taking JAMIE FOXX’s advice and pushing forward with a movie remake of his hit TV sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY with new best pals JESSICA BIEL and JENNIFER GARNER in the title roles.

The actresses became bosom buddies on the set of Marshall’s new film Valentine’s Day, prompting their co-star to suggest they’d be perfect for a Laverne & Shirley remake.

And Marshall admits he’s committed to making the movie, which will feature cameos from his sister Penny and Cindy Williams – the original Laverne & Shirley.

He says, “We’re gonna work on that. My sister Penny and Cindy are going to be a guest cameo (sic).”

And Garner can’t wait to work with her new best friend: “Are you kidding? We’re dying to do it.”

[From Contact Music]

I’m in my mid 30s, and I used to watch Laverne and Shirley all the time when I was a kid. Even if they have the same creator, producers and writers involved the film version will be a pale imitation of the original. It doesn’t matter, though, as long as people will fill the seats.

Who will play Lenny and Squiggy? I can see some lame casting going into those characters, like Jamie Kennedy and Justin Timberlake. (Although Timberlake might be decent as he does comedy well.) If they’re lucky they’ll get someone with decent name recognition like Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey.