If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you spent some Friday nights glued to the TV, watching a sleek black Pontiac Trans Am named KITT speed across the screen, fighting crime alongside the effortlessly cool Michael Knight. Knight Rider wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon that blended high-tech gadgetry, action-packed adventures, and that unmistakable synth-heavy theme song. As we sit here in 2025, let’s take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about the original series, catch up with the cast, explore its reboot history, and imagine what a modern Knight Rider could look like—perhaps with a Cybertruck and some next-level AI.
Airing from 1982 to 1986 on NBC, Knight Rider introduced us to Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff), a former cop turned lone crusader after a near-fatal incident. Revived by the mysterious Wilton Knight and given a new identity, Michael partnered with KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), an artificially intelligent car voiced by William Daniels. Together, they took on corrupt officials, criminal masterminds, and shady organizations under the banner of the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG). The show’s charm wasn’t just in its action—it was the banter between Michael and KITT, the futuristic tech (Turbo Boost, anyone?), and the idea that one man and his car could make a difference.
For a kid in the ‘80s, KITT was the ultimate dream: a car that could talk, drive itself, and outsmart the bad guys. It sparked imaginations and set the stage for how we’d later view AI and autonomous vehicles. Even now, rewatching episodes feels like stepping into a time capsule—cheesy one-liners, mullets, and all.
Where’s the Cast Now?
So, what’s become of the folks who brought Knight Rider to life? Let’s check in:
- David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight): The Hoff remains a pop culture icon. After Knight Rider, he rode the wave of fame into Baywatch, cementing his status as a TV legend. These days, at 72, he’s still active—appearing in cameos, reality TV, and even music projects (yes, he’s still singing!). He’s vocal about his love for Knight Rider and has supported efforts to revive it, though he’s made it clear he wants any reboot to honor the original’s spirit.
- William Daniels (Voice of KITT): The voice behind KITT’s dry wit is now 97 and largely retired, but his career is storied. Known for Boy Meets World and St. Elsewhere, Daniels brought a gravitas to KITT that made the car a character in its own right. He’s stepped away from the spotlight, enjoying a quieter life after decades in the industry.
- Patricia McPherson (Bonnie Barstow): Bonnie, the mechanic who kept KITT in top shape (in Seasons 1, 3, and 4), left acting in the ‘90s. Now 70, she’s focused on environmental activism, a far cry from tinkering with high-tech cars, but a noble pursuit nonetheless.
- Rebecca Holden (April Curtis): Replacing Bonnie in Season 2, Holden’s April was another tech whiz. Now 66, she’s shifted gears to music, performing as a country singer, though she occasionally pops up at fan conventions reminiscing about her Knight Rider days.
- Edward Mulhare (Devon Miles): The classy head of FLAG passed away in 1997 at 74, but his sophisticated presence remains a highlight of the series. His career spanned stage and screen, and he’s fondly remembered by fans.
The cast has scattered, but their contributions to Knight Rider endure in the hearts of fans who still dream of hopping into KITT for one more mission.
Was There Ever a Reboot?
Oh, they’ve tried! Knight Rider has seen a few attempts to recapture its magic. First came Team Knight Rider (1997-1998), a syndicated series with a fleet of talking vehicles and a new team—lacking the Michael-KITT chemistry, it fizzled out after one season. Then, in 2008, NBC gave us a proper reboot with Knight Rider, starring Justin Bruening as Michael Knight’s estranged son, Mike Traceur, and a new KITT (voiced by Val Kilmer) based on a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR. It kicked off with a TV movie that showed promise, but the series only lasted one season, ending in 2009. Fans and critics felt it leaned too hard into modern tropes and lost the original’s soul.
There’s also been talk of a movie for years. In 2020, it was announced that James Wan (Aquaman) was developing a Knight Rider film with Spyglass Media Group, promising a grounded take on the concept. David Hasselhoff has expressed cautious optimism, hoping it stays true to the show’s legacy. As of March 2025, though, updates are scarce—could it still be in the works, or has it stalled like so many reboot attempts before it?
Time for a Live-Action Movie?
Given the nostalgia boom and advances in tech, 2025 feels like the perfect moment for a Knight Rider live-action movie. The original thrived on cutting-edge ideas—self-driving cars and AI were sci-fi then, but they’re reality now. Hollywood loves a revival, and with the right vision, this could be more than a cash grab. Imagine a gritty, stylish film that blends practical car stunts with modern CGI, keeping KITT’s personality front and center. Maybe Michael Knight returns as a grizzled mentor, passing the torch to a new driver. Or perhaps it’s a full reimagining, with stakes that reflect today’s world—cybercrime, AI ethics, or global conspiracies.
Knight Rider 2025: Cybertruck Edition
Now, let’s dream big: Knight Rider 2025 with a Tesla Cybertruck as KITT. Picture it: that angular, stainless-steel beast rolling down the highway, its exoskeleton gleam enhanced with a molecular-bonded shell (a nod to the original KITT’s invulnerability). The Cybertruck’s electric powertrain gets a fictional upgrade—say, a compact fusion reactor—giving it limitless range and Turbo Boost-level acceleration. Enhanced AI takes KITT’s personality to new heights: he’s not just self-aware but adaptive, learning from missions in real-time, with a holographic interface replacing the old dashboard lights.
The story? Michael Knight’s successor—a tech-savvy ex-hacker turned vigilante—teams up with this Cybertruck KITT to dismantle a rogue AI network threatening global infrastructure. The villains weaponize autonomous drones and hacked smart cities, forcing KITT to outthink and outdrive them. Picture high-speed chases through neon-lit streets, the Cybertruck’s rugged design smashing through obstacles, and witty banter between driver and car as they dodge EMP blasts. Throw in a score that remixes the classic theme with modern electronic beats, and you’ve got a blockbuster that honors the past while racing into the future.
Knight Rider left an indelible mark on TV history, and its cast has moved on to varied paths—some in the spotlight, others out of it. The reboots haven’t quite stuck, but the appetite for a revival remains. A live-action movie in 2025, especially with a Cybertruck twist, could be the shot in the arm this franchise needs. It’s time to dust off those scanner lights, cue the synths, and let KITT ride again. What do you think—would you watch Michael and KITT (or their successors) take on 2025? Let’s hear your ideas for a modern Knight Rider in the comments!