CI5: The New Professionals based on Clemens' original intentions. Clemens intended for the original series to be an "ensemble" group, not just focusing on the three main characters. The new show was intended to return to this intended ideal, with the new 4.5 (originally Doyle) and 3.7 (Bodie) as part of a team effort. Of the original series' stars, Gordon Jackson died in 1990 and allegedly, though not verified, Wickes "never even thought" of approaching Martin Shaw. Since some of the co-financing for the show was derived from his association with American TV networks, he did, however, approach Lewis Collins to see if he
The Professionals (TV series) to magazines and includes over 200 black and white photographs as well as extensive interviews with actors, producers, writers, directors and other production team members, discussing their work on the series. This publication was also foreworded and given official endorsement by series creator Brian Clemens. In 2004 plans were being drawn up for a film version of "The Professionals" with Lewis Collins approached to play the part of Cowley, but after negotiations broke down the film was abandoned. In 2011, film company Lionsgate announced it had acquired the rights to "The Professionals" series and intended to begin shooting a movie