No feature-film remake of Smokey and the Bandit has been confirmed in the available reporting. The current project reported in production is a television prequel, Sheriff Justice – The Series, centered on Sheriff Buford T. Justice and his son Junior.
What is happening with Smokey and the Bandit?
Land Line Media reported on June 12, 2026, that production on Sheriff Justice – The Series was set to begin the following day in Sedalia, Missouri. The outlet described the project as a prequel and reported that Sean Bailey will play Buford T. Justice and Jason Bobbitt will play his son, Junior. Land Line Media’s report said the series was expected to air on Netflix in May 2027. That is a reported expectation, not a confirmed Netflix premiere listing.
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Smokey and the Bandit [Blu-ray] | Buy on Amazon | |
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Smokey and The Bandit - 40th Anniversary Edition | $28.44 | Buy on Amazon |
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Smokey and the Bandit 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The project is a series, not a remake feature film. The available reporting does not establish a confirmed feature-film remake, its cast, a director, a release date, or a trailer.
How the two announced series projects differ
A separate adaptation was announced in 2020. TheWrap reported that UCP was developing a series adaptation, with David Gordon Green attached to direct the pilot and co-write with Brian Sides. TheWrap also named executive producers from Fuzzy Door and Rough House Pictures. That announcement documents development plans at the time; it does not establish the project’s current status.
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| Project | Format and focus | Status and release evidence |
|---|---|---|
| UCP adaptation, announced October 21, 2020 | Series adaptation of the film; David Gordon Green was attached to direct the pilot and co-write with Brian Sides. | TheWrap reported the development announcement. Its current status and any release timing are not established in the available reporting. TheWrap’s 2020 report |
| Sheriff Justice – The Series, reported June 12, 2026 | Reported prequel focused on Sheriff Buford T. Justice and his son Junior. | Land Line Media reported production was due to begin June 13, 2026, in Sedalia, Missouri, and that the series was expected on Netflix in May 2027. The timing is a reported expectation, not a confirmed service listing. Land Line Media’s report |
The sources do not confirm whether the UCP project continued, was canceled, or is connected to Sheriff Justice. They should be treated as distinct developments unless a reliable source confirms a relationship.
Where the story began: the 1977 film
Universal lists Smokey and the Bandit as a 1977 comedy-action film directed by Hal Needham and starring Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Sally Field, Jerry Reed and others. Its catalog lists a running time of 1 hour 36 minutes and a PG rating. In Universal’s synopsis, Bandit takes on a haul of 400 cases of beer from Texarkana to Atlanta within 28 hours, with Sheriff Buford T. Justice in pursuit; Cledus and runaway bride Carrie join the adventure. Universal’s film listing provides the studio’s synopsis and catalog details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to watch the original
Universal lists the original film in 4K Ultra HD plus Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and digital formats. It also lists a three-film collection. A separate seven-film DVD collection combines the original trilogy with four television films. These are catalog formats, not guarantees of current retailer stock or availability in every region. See Universal’s film listing and its seven-film collection listing for the formats Universal identifies.
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