I Dream of Jeannie Set to Blink to Big Screen

Sony Pictures has announced development of a big screen adaptation of the classic television series "I Dream of Jeannie."

The original series enjoyed a successful six-year run on NBC from 1965 to 1970. Larry Hagman starred as a NASA astronaut who unlocks a gorgeous but naive genie from her bottle, intertwining their lives in a series of comedic escapades. Barbara Eden catapulted to fame in the title role.

According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com), comedian Jimmy Fallon ("Fever Pitch") is under contract to play the role originated by Hagman, Major Tony Nelson.

ContactMusic released a report that Jessica Alba ("The Fantastic Four") had won the coveted title role of the buxom genie in a bottle. In an interview with the New York Daily News, however, Alba stated she was not aware of any offer having been extended by Sony Pictures.

Jessica Simpson, who co-starred in the recent film adaptation of "The Dukes of Hazzard", has confirmed talks with studio executives regarding the title role.

The Los Angeles Times reports Jennifer Gardner("Elektra"), Kate Hudson ("Almost Famous", and Lindsay Lohan(Freaky Friday) are also under consideration by Sony.

According CountingDown.com, Keira Knightley is considered a possible dark horse candidate for the role.

Knightley was brought to prominence as an actress under the direction of Gurinder Chadha in the feature film "Bend it Like Beckham"; Chadha is attached to direct the big screen Jeannie based on a script by the team of Cormac and Marianne Wibberley ("Bad Boys II").