Once again, the US networks have delved into their back catalogues looking for old shows they can redevelop, and this time have pulled out an 80’s classic – Magnum P.I.
The original series starred the world’s greatest moustache, which happened to be attached to actor Tom Selleck, as Hawaii based private investigator, Thomas Magnum. He lived in the guest house of a beachfront mansion owned by famed author Robin Masters, in exchange for Magnum proving his expertise in security for the estate. This allowed the show to give Magnum access to the estate’s facilities, including the famed Ferrari 308 GTS, and provided a glamorous backdrop for someone on a P.I.’s salary.
For those of you screaming “YOU CAN’T RE-CAST TOM SELLECK (or his moustache!)”, fear not. The plan for is for this to be a sequel to the original series, and follow daughter, Lily ‘Tommy’ Magnum. She has returned to the island to take over her dad’s P.I. firm, after a blown op ends her career in Navy Intelligence. The character of Lily did actually appear on the original show too played by child actress Kristen Carreira, so it would actually fit in with Magnum continuity.
Although Tom Selleck’s moustache does currently have a regular gig as police commissioner on CBS’s Blue Bloods, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to make the occasional guest appearance should that show come to an end, or if they can work out some sort of deal.
John Rogers (Leverage, The Librarians) is set to write the script, with Roger’s and Eva Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment producing.
The original series ran for 8 seasons from 1980 to ’88 and was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson.
The show is still in early development, but if we hear anymore, we’ll let you know!
