This Classic Sci-Fi Western Got A Bad Movie Reboot But Deserves A Television Revival

There was no shortage of Western television shows in the 1960s. While "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza" were the heavy hitters, few shows were as enjoyable to watch as "The Wild Wild West," a show that helped define the western genre.

According to creator Michael Garrison, the idea was to combine all the trappings of a typical western with the spy-adventure vibe of a James Bond movie. The result was a combination that audiences had never seen before: dashing heroes using futuristic technology to do battle with over-the-top villains. The premise was clearly ahead of its time — which is why it made sense to turn it into a movie in the '90s. Unfortunately, "Wild Wild West" would become one of the worst movies based on a TV show.

The cast was impressive enough, featuring Will Smith, who at the time was the king of box-office success, alongside acting legends Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh. Warner Brothers put plenty of money into the film, too, with an estimated budget of over $170 million. But the result was an overstuffed mess that flopped with critics and audiences alike. The general consensus was that more time and effort was spent on creating special effects than anything else. The jokes didn't land, the plot didn't make much sense, and by the time that infamous mechanical spider turned up, it was clear this movie had totally missed the mark.

While Hollywood's attempt at turning "The Wild Wild West" into a movie didn't pan out, that doesn't mean a revival couldn't work in the future. Although, given what made the show a success originally, any remake might be best sticking to the small screen.

One key aspect of the original "Wild Wild West," which helped make it feel so unique, was its blending of multiple genres. While the show looked like a classic Western, it routinely featured gadgets that came straight out of science fiction. These included everything from the various weapons that West and Gordon used to their futuristic train, the "Wanderer," and so much more.

The show's success was also due largely in part to its weekly cavalcade of villains, including one that helped create one of the best western TV episodes of all time. Where the movie focused on their biggest foe, Dr. Loveless, the series used big-name guest stars like Agnes Moorehead, Ed Asner, and Harvey Korman to fill out its rogues' gallery. Notably, this tactic has worked well on more current shows, such as "Poker Face" and "Elsbeth." Add all this up, and it could make a future trip back to "The Wild Wild West" a roaring success.