pitch the movie with Ruffalo

you could go one of 2 ways:
1. an origin tale of Lt Columbos first case (with some other younger actor).
2. a standard case with Columbo (Ruffalo) already firmly established (with maybe a prologue flashback of Columbos origin/first case to tie in with whatever the main case is later, complete with CG deaged Ruffalo)

set either in the 60s (if the origin - therefore a prequel to the tv series) or the 70s or 80s or 90s (if doing the standard case so itd be acting like a lost episode of Columbo but done big..like had Falk done a movie version around then - probably best if the 70s as although the 80s/90s are popular now the decade Columbo is most identified with is the 70s)...
or set in the present day (total reboot - either showing the origin with younger actor or standard case with Ruffalo)

big name A list actor as the killer (like Crowe, Affleck, Damon, Dicaprio, Depp, Jolie, Theron, etc). with supporting roles (victim, wife, gf, witnesses, co workers etc) have a few well established names (Richard E Grant, Charles Dance, AHopkins, Helen Mirran, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Alba, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood etc)..and the odd fun cameo from previous Columbo guest stars (i.e. Shatner)

obviously have to shake up the standard Columbo format as its the movie so maybe have 2 murders/2 murderers etc and maybe one a mystery to the audience (not the usual we know who did it from the outset) with abit of Police intrigue/corruption (a rival detective in on it or trying to make Columbo look inept)

budget of around 80-100m. rated PG13.. released in the non blockbuster months (Sept/October or Jan/Feb).. could be a big hit with audiences as everyone still watches Columbo on tv worldwide and itd be a welcome break from the usual fantasy/superhero fair at the cinema..