A modern day film adaptation of the classic TV series Kojak will be written by British screenwriter Philip Gawthorne.

Philip Gawthorne, who has written predominantly for British TV shows such as Casualty and EastEnders, takes over writing duties from James Bond scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who wrote a previous draft of the screenplay.

Kojak is intended to be a starring vehicle for Vin Diesel, who will also produce.

Vin Diesel most recently starred in Furious 7, with worldwide takings of more than $1.5 billion.

Original Kojak series aired on CBS from 1973 to1978 and starred Telly Savalas as the lollypop-sucking Lieutenant Theo Kojak.