Will Smith to Star in "It Takes a Thief"

"Variety" magazine reports that Will Smith has forgotten about "Wild Wild West" and has now set his sights on another feature film adaptation of a 1960s TV classic. "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" actor is set to star in Universal's remake of "It Takes a Thief", which ran from 1968-70 and starred Robert Wagner, Malachi Throne and later Fred Astaire.

Smith will also produce "Thief" through his Overbrook Entertainment shingle, along with Kevin Misher, John Davis and Joe Singer. The project will be scripted by David Elliot and Paul Lovett ("Four Brothers").

"Variety" says "Smith will play a charming rogue who is blackmailed by the government into doing covert larceny for the good of his country. Pic will put the professional thief in the employ of the CIA."

In the TV series, Wagner's suave and swingin' cat burglar Alexander Mundy was coerced into working for the SIA, a U.S. espionage agency. Throne played his handler, Noah Bain. Astaire was later cast as Wagner's urbane father, Alistair Mundy.

Will Smith will next star in "Tonight, He Comes" but that superhero picture is still looking for a new director in time for its summer start date.