HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - ``The Fast and the Furious'' star Paul Walker is in talks to star in ``SWAT,'' a long-in-development feature remake of the 1970s ABC cop series.

     The Columbia Pictures project is set to begin production this fall with a budget close to $70 million. The studio aims for a summer 2002 release.

     The film was initially intended to be a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger, but has since morphed into a youth-oriented action ensemble.

     The new script centers on a grizzled vet SWAT officer who is given a second chance to assemble a new Special Weapons and Tactics team to protect a high-profile criminal. It is being written by David Ayer, also of ``Fast and Furious.''

     Commercials helmer Zack Snyder remains on board to make his feature film debut.

     Walker is also negotiating to star with Scott Caan in ``Wanna-Be.'' With the mob drama tentatively set for an October start date, it is unclear if Walker will be able to appear in both pictures.

     The ``SWAT'' TV series starred Steve Forrest as Lt. Dan (Hondo) Harrelson and Robert Urich as officer Jim Street.