Imagine this: A beloved actor, already cast in an iconic role, is suddenly replaced due to a corporate conflict. This is precisely what happened to Will Arnett, a voice-acting powerhouse known for his roles in 'Arrested Development' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' But how could this happen? Let's dive in.
In 2008, NBC was gearing up for a reboot of the classic '80s show, 'Knight Rider.' Will Arnett was tapped to voice K.I.T.T., the show's talking car, a role originally voiced by William Daniels. Arnett had even completed his recordings.
But here's where it gets controversial... Just weeks before the movie's release, General Motors, the parent company of GMC Trucks (for which Arnett was the voice), caught wind of his 'Knight Rider' gig. They weren't thrilled that their spokesperson was voicing a Ford Mustang (K.I.T.T.'s car). This created a conflict of interest, forcing Arnett to step down.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. Arnett's departure led to a surprising recasting: Val Kilmer took over as the voice of K.I.T.T.
Arnett's career, however, wasn't derailed. He remains a highly sought-after voice actor, known for his versatility. From the growling Batman in 'The Lego Movie' series to the nuanced BoJack Horseman, Arnett has proven his range. He even voices the killer clown Sweet Tooth in 'Twisted Metal.'
And this is the part most people miss... The 'Knight Rider' reboot, despite its intentions, didn't achieve the same success as the original. The subsequent TV show, with Kilmer voicing K.I.T.T., only lasted one season.
So, what do you think? Did General Motors make the right call? Would Arnett's K.I.T.T. have made a difference? Share your thoughts in the comments!
