Let me start by stating I believe all things come from God, including dreams and inspirations. God has surrounded me with two fantastic friends who are S/B fanatics and very sincere Christians. It is because of our faith that I write this. . . .  Am I crazy?  Not really, well, maybe a little. . . 
 

I know what you’re thinking. . Another Smokey and the Bandit movie? . Are you crazy after S/B III ?  This would not be S/B IV.   They will not be transporting beer, an elephant or a fish.

This isn’t a Smokey and the Bandit remake. I think that was tried with S/BII and S/BIII.  No one should ever re-create the first movie (and definitely not II or III).   
 

The title is based on Jerry Reed’s song East Bound and Down . . . Heaven Bound and Up.  This movie would be the first action packed religious movie.  And to quote the Snowman,” Well, for your information. . . that ain’t never been done before.”  And he is right, it hasn’t.  When I think of religious movies, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, The Passion of Christ, Facing the Giants and Fireproof come to mind.  But think about how you enjoyed the first  S/B movie, how you left the theater wanting more.  You were ready to follow them to Boston to get some clam chowder.  That atmosphere would be in this new movie also. 
 

So the main reason for this movie? It is not to make money or to remake Smokey and the Bandit.   The main reason would be to honor God.  It would use S/B as a foundation, to have spontaneous action and comedy and at the same time sprinkle some Christianity on you when you least expect it. It would be a movie that church youth groups and families could go see without worrying about foul language. A fun, action, clean movie that will keep your blood going!  If it changed the course of one life, caused one religious discussion, motivated one family to return to church---it would be worth it.  
 

As I mentioned before, this spiritual inspiration is deep in my soul. So for the very first time, here is the rough draft.  Dated  9/21/2008.
 

The plot of the movie is for Bandit’s truck and refrigerated trailer to transport some desperately needed supplies (perishable medicine and food) to Atlanta.  Certain events have prevented an air shipment.   These supplies would then be shipped to Florida where a series of hurricanes have devastated the inhabitants.  The destination in Atlanta is a festival  called the Christian Woodstock.  The Christian Woodstock (CW) is a fund raising musical event held for the Floridians where love, peace and brotherhood are real, not the drugged out, promiscuous behavior of the 1969 Woodstock.  The CW is not only the rendezvous point for donated supplies, but a musical event featuring many contemporary  Christian and gospel bands.  So at the end of the movie, you will be singing and praising to some great music.  Think of the movie soundtrack!! 
 

Now for the real kicker:  not one, but four Trans Ams will run ‘blocker’ for the truck. .  The four cars used in the movie are a 1977 Trans Am SE (just like the first movie, but a 4-speed);  the Year One Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am;  Restore-A-Muscle Car’s Platinum Edition Trans Am and finally a real Kevin Morgan Concept Trans Am.  Of course, CB radios and cell phones will be used to communicate about the ‘smokies’.    I have included pictures of each car below along with their web links.  
 

The Kenworth truck and trailer will be just like the first movie.   Many thanks to Greg Vassar who has captured the stage coach graphic from the first movie.  Greg Vassar, Kevin Morgan and I have located a real trailer and are working on recreating the trailer used in the movie. (See my Snowman’s truck page for details.) 
 

Naturally the speeding Tran Ams will create a lot of continuous attention from local and state police- - - with the usual mishaps.  
 

 Four Trans Ams, police cars and a truck would create an interesting cast of characters. As this is a Christian based comedy playing tribute to the original cast members; I would hope that some of them would agree to be in this one too!  There  will be many opportunities for Christian conversations. Some of those details have not been worked out yet; for example, who would play the Bandit, Snowman, Frog  or Justice.  I'm sure that question alone will spark alot of  forum comments on the different websites.  Personally I would love to see Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett riding in one of the cars. They could play a new hit Christian song at the Christian Woodstock at the end of the movie.  
 

This would be similar to the first movie with the right mix of action, comedy, drama, adventure and cars!  It would flow as a spontaneous car chase movie should, with nothing looking rehearsed.   A great car chase movie with alot of action and drama, ending with great music. All of your senses should be refreshed when you leave the theater.

I hope and pray that everyone is Heaven Bound. . . . . and live forever with Jesus

More to come very soon!!  God's speed and God bless.
 

Year One Burt Reynolds edition link:

http://www.yearone.com/yodnn/Home/tabid/54/Default.aspx 
 

Kevin Morgan concept Trans Am link:

http://www.kevinmorgandesigns.com/home.html 
 

Restore a Muscle car platinum edition SE:

http://www.restoreamusclecar.com/index.sp