Variety have revealed more of the behind-the-scenes goings-on that led to Will Arnett pulling out of the new TV movie, and being replaced by Val Kilmer.
It has come to light that for the better part of a decade, Arnett has been the voice of GMC Trucks in General Motors’ advertising campaigns. The new K.I.T.T. is, of course, a Ford Mustang. Because Ford is taking an active role in the marketing and branding of the telepic, General Motors asked Arnett to withdraw his participation.
“I was very excited at the prospect of playing the part of K.I.T.T. in the new Knight Rider movie,” Arnett said. “However, because of a long relationship with General Motors as the voice of GMC Trucks, I had to respectfully withdraw from the project.”
Obviously this is why we haven’t been hearing Arnett as K.I.T.T. in the last few NBC commercials.
Variety’s Article – Val Kilmer voices Knight Rider
Meanwhile, over at Knight Rider Online, Shapeshifter has revealed that Kilmer read the script, liked what he saw, and the producers secured his services in a 5-year contract… which means that if this incarnation of Knight Rider goes to series, Kilmer will be very much a part of it!