'Highway to Heaven': Jill Scott, Barry Watson to star in Lifetime reboot

June 17 (UPI) -- Lifetime is developing a Highway to Heaven reboot.

The network confirmed Thursday that it gave the greenlight to a new TV movie series starring Jill Scott and Barry Watson.

Deadline said the Lifetime reboot will give a modern take on Highway to Heaven, a fantasy drama starring Michael Landon and Victor French that aired for five seasons on NBC from 1984 to 1989.

Scott will play Angela, a gender-swapped version of Landon's character, Jonathan. Angela is an angel who comes to Earth to help people in need and shares her true identity with a junior high school principal, Bruce (Watson).

Ben Daon, Robert Moloney and Ashley Ross also star.

The first movie will see Angela take on the role of a temporary school counselor and work alongside Bruce. Angela helps Cody (Daon), a troubled student, and his father, Jeff (Moloney), after the death of Cody's mother, Melissa (Ross).

Scott previously starred in Lifetime's Flint, Steel Magnolias reboot and Sins of the Mother.

"The original Highway to Heaven was appointment viewing for millions and in a time when we need those messages of hope the most, we are excited to bring back the iconic series in a new way," Lifetime scripted programming EVP Tanya Lopez said in a statement. "Having worked with Jill previously for some of Lifetime's most celebrated movies, we know she is the perfect actor to bring her passion and brilliance to this role."

"I just love her... Jill amplifies everything she touches in ways that make her pop off the screen. And the addition of Barry was just icing on the cake. I believe we have assembled a dynamic new duo with both Jill and Barry at the helm," she added.

Scott is a singer and actress who plays Hazel on First Wives Club. Watson is best known for playing Matt Camden on 7th Heaven.