David Hasselhoff was disappointed to learn that there’s going to be a movie version of his campy 80s show Knight Rider, and that producers aren’t even considering him for the lead part he used to play. He says he hopes he’ll get some kind of bit part in the film.

David Hasselhoff is furious after missing out on a role in the big-screen remake of his hit 1980s television show Knight Rider. The 55 year-old actor hoped to reprise his role as police officer Michael Knight for the film – but the movie’s producers have informed him the character is to be re-cast. However, Hasselhoff is confident he will make at least one appearance int he movie, if just to thank fans of the original show. He says, “I think fans will demand that I at least pop up in a cameo. I made the show and fans deserve it.”

[From Contact Music]

It makes sense that they wouldn’t want to cast Hasselhoff in the lead because he’s not really big screen material at this point. He would do well in an ongoing role in a sitcom, maybe even one in which he’s the lead, but a movie might bomb with him as the star and producers must realize that.

Still, this is the first I’ve heard of a movie version of Knight Rider. I think the article might be mistaken, because there is going to be a Knight Ryder remake, but Variety reports it will be on television for NBC and will be directed by Transformers director Doug Liman.

Hasselhoff also is said to have temporarily beaten his demons after being hospitalized to detox off alcohol following a recent relapse. He talked about his issues to People Magazine, saying that it was just a 24 hour problem that he took care of immediately. He said “I was doing great, and it just happened, and it took me 24 hours,and I just said, ‘You know what? Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!'” Hasselhoff explained that he didn’t do it to indulge himself, he just slipped up.

According to The National Enquirer, Hasselhoff’s relapse was worse than that. They say he was already in detox for two days and that he got out, got drunk again, and had to start all over again:

“David felt terrible that he’d let his family down by falling off the wagon again in a big way,” said the source.

“But after two days he wanted out. He left the hospital, but he didn’t get far.”

David “got ripped again” soon after leaving Cedars-Sinai, says the source.

“He was readmitted the very next day and was sick as a dog. Doctors had to start the detox process all over again.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, October 29, 2007]

While Hasselhoff may be facing a tougher battle than he’s admitting, he seems to be off booze for now and he does have the support of his girlfriend Michele Lilley. The Enquirer reports that she was by his side throughout his hospital stay and that “she’s completely devoted to him.”

Hasselhoff’s custody of his two teenage daughters, Taylor-Ann, 17, and Hayley, 15, does not seem to have been affected by his relapse. Keep your chin up, Hoff.

David Hasselhoff is shown at celebrity hotspot The Ivy on 10/17/07. It is thought that he went to the paparazzi-friendly restaurant to let everyone know he was OK after his relapse. Thanks to Splash News for this picture.