I pity the fool who doesn't like "The A-Team" but for those that are fans, get ready for a big screen adaptation coming to a theater near you this time next year. Variety reports that Liam Neeson is in final negotiations with Twentieth Century Fox to star as Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, but they are still ironing out some money issues. Following the successful release of Taken earlier this year, it wouldn't be surprising if Neeson's asking price is a little higher than it's been in the past.

Also in talks with the studio is Bradley Cooper who would play Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck. Cooper is currently riding high on The Hangover which released last Friday and was the top earner in the weekend's box office.

Thankfully producer Ridley Scott and director Joe Carnahan won't be deviating too far from the original. For those that didn't follow the 1980s TV series, the story revolves around four war veterans falsely convicted of armed robbery. The men escape from military prison and become noble mercenaries for hire. With Neeson playing Hannibal and Cooper playing Faceman, that still leaves openings for Capt. "Howling Mad" Murdock and Sgt. B.A. Baracus (originally played by Mr. T).

Assuming they can pull the cast together relatively quickly, the plan is to start production in late August for a June 11, 2010 release.

Source: Variety