Just been searching for info on Imdb for one of the UK's best actors, Ray Winstone, and I find that there is pre-production talks of The Sweeney making a return in 2009. It seems that Ray might be asked to play Jack Regan. The info is very limited and there is no mention of other cast members. Trying to rack my brains as to who could play George Carter, but I have lost touch with whats happening back there in dear old Blighty and who the up and coming best actors are.
Ray is a brilliant actor and could fill John Thaws boots. John was Regan through and through. Can Ray do it? I would love to think so. It's a hard act to follow.
On imdb one guy is thinking of Dennis Waterman to play Regan,

no chance mate.
Someone else suggests Regan - Ray Winstone, agree.
Carter - Philip Glenister? Don't know anything about him.
Haskins - Christopher Ellison? He is best known for his role as Detective Chief Inspector Frank Burnside in the The Bill and Burnside. Maybe he could be Regan's dad? Joke! An excellent choice
Let's hope whatever is chosen, it's the best! Long may The Sweeney remain an icon in British television history. Roll on 2009!
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Hooked off the line