TELEVISION Q&A's

Question: I would like to know if it's true that they're going to remake The Planet of the Apes movies. I hope not. I loved the classics with Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall.

Answer: The filming is scheduled to begin this fall. We're being told that the new Apes project, which will be directed by Tim Burton, should not be seen as a remake of the original Planet of the Apes flicks. Instead, we're being asked to regard the films (three are being planned by 20th Century Fox) as a "re-imagining" of the entire series of five Apes movies, which were released between 1968 and 1973.

Mark Wahlberg has been signed to star in at least the first two in the new series. Look for the initial pic to be released in summer 2001.

Question: I love the idea that Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor are good friends. Is there any chance we'll see them in a movie together any time soon?

Answer: There is, indeed. The ladies will join with another friend, Shirley MacLaine, in the upcoming flick Those Old Broads which is scheduled to air on ABC later this year or early in 2001. Reynolds' daughter, Carrie Fisher, and Elaine Pope co-wrote the movie.

Question: Is Amy Smart of Felicity going to do another series?

Answer: Not right away. She is, however, scheduled to star in a new Paramount feature called Rat Race opposite Whoopi Goldberg and her Road Trip co-star, Breckin Meyer. Rat Race is said to be inspired by the classic 1960s ensemble flick, It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.

Question: I love the series Daddio, which was on NBC last season. I was told that it might not be back after the summer. I hope this isn't true. I think Michael Chiklis is a wonderful actor and would miss him and the show if it were canceled.

Answer: Fear not. Daddio will be back in the fall and will air on Mondays on NBC. Since you wrote your letter, NBC also scheduled a summer run for the show, which will continue through Aug. 10.

_ Times wires