For five seasons on the 1970s police drama Kojak, Telly Savalas sucked on Tootsie Roll Pops and uttered the catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?" The answer all along has apparently been Universal Pictures.

Deadline reports the studio has hired Skyfall writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade to tackle the screenplay for a film adaptation, with Vin Diesel attached to play iconic bald detective. The actor will also produce with Samantha Vincent for their One Race Films.

Airing on CBS from 1973 to 1978, the series starred Savalas as Theo Kojak, a witty, well-dressed and incorruptible New York City police detective with a willingness to bend the law in pursuit of justice.