Microsoft is funding a remake of the cult sci-fi TV series Blake's 7, according to a report from the Financial Times. While the company is reportedly not committed to producing a full series, it would represent the latest push into original TV content for Microsoft, which is working with Steven Spielberg on a live-action adaptation of the Halo video games. Martin Campbell, director of James Bond films Goldeneye and Casino Royale, is said to be on board to direct.

Blake's 7 was produced and broadcast by the BBC between 1978 and 1981. Created by Terry Nation, the man who dreamed up the concept for the Daleks, it "aimed to be a grittily realistic TV answer to Star Wars, only on Doctor Who's budget," according to the BBC's page for the show. "The result is controversially stylised, with bold use of Colour Separation Overlay, bright lighting and big hair."

In February, Microsoft said that it would "hopefully" roll out original content from its Xbox Entertainment Studios in Los Angeles this year. The studio is headed by Nancy Tellem, formerly of CBS.