[raigraphixs]

House creator David Shore is planning to develop a remake of '70s television show The Rockford Files for NBC.

The original series starred James Garner as ex-convict private investigator Jim Rockford, who solved crimes out of his mobile home-office in Malibu, California. The actor won an Emmy for his portrayal, while it was one of the first shows created by writer-producer Stephen J. Cannell.

Shore, who is a fan of the programme, credits The Rockford Files as the inspiration for his career in television, Variety reports.

He said: "It's one of the shows that made me want to become a writer. I had no interest in adapting any old stuff, but this was the one exception."

Shore added that in attempting to update the show, he will remain faithful to the nature of its predecessor's character and premise.

"What makes Rockford timeless is that he's vulnerable, he's flawed. He's used to hustling and getting hustled. Sometimes he's a hero and sometimes he runs away," he said.

The Rockford Files aired on the Peacock Network from 1974 to 1980.

[Garrett]

Loved this series, never got tired of watching the repeats. I cant think anyone can surpass James Garner in the role.

[pRot3us]

No,No,No,No,No






No

[Ron240]

"This is Jim Rockford. At the tone, leave your name and message. I'll get back to you"
Always thought of having that as my voicemail message, but unless your of a certain age, you just wouldnt get it.

I loved The Rockford Files, the theme tune, the car, James Garner as an actor...and as Garrett said, never tired of watching repeats.

Seems to be the trend these days, to remake older very successful films or tv shows. Sometimes they succeed, but more often than not, they dont.
I think that for this to be a hit, then it will be down to being accepted by a younger audience, because where fans of the original are concerned, we will be comparing it with the brilliant way James Garner played the role....and that means there will be no comparison.

[soundstory]

Yes indeed, I think like a lot of similar shows of the time, a series was built around them.

Put another actor the role, then what do you get??

[Garrett]

Besiders the way James Gardner played the role they will never find an other Stuart Margolin (Angel) who realy annoyed you in a likable way.

Very few producers seem to understand what the original was doing. Some of the films made from TV series have been abysmal. Battlester Galactica one of the rare ones that was I believe better than the original,

[soundstory]

Originally Posted by Garrett

Besiders the way James Gardner played the role they will never find an other Stuart Margolin (Angel) who realy annoyed you in a likable way.

Very few producers seem to understand what the original was doing. Some of the films made from TV series have been abysmal. Battlester Galactica one of the rare ones that was I believe better than the original,

[LostFanBoy]

Pilot Intel: Dermot Mulroney to headline NBC's 'Rockford Files' update | Ausiello | EW.com

err no just no

[brian s]

Rockford was one of those were the actor was the character like Bilko in the Phil Silvers show. Lets face you couldn't imagine some one like maybe Steve Martin playing Bilko could you.


Bri

[DaddyDee]

Dermot Mulroney as Jim Rockford just doesn't do it for me at all. I loved the old series and can't honestly think of anyone who could play him today, that would work for me.

[Kieron]

No! What's next - a remake of Quincy???

[DICKIEDUVET]

Oh dear

[norliss]

Jesus, Mary & Joseph - is there NOTHING that Hollywood or the American corporate machine WON'T remake?!

Here's an idea: why not just come up with something NEW and ORIGINAL?

/rant over.

[JayCee]

Originally Posted by Garrett

Loved this series, never got tired of watching the repeats. I cant think anyone can surpass James Garner in the role.

Heartily agree.
I loved this series,
Loved James Garner in this, he was charming, cheeky, roguish, moving.
There was a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour in most episodes but it could also get a bit serious now and then.
Music by Mike Post who was the king of TV themes in this era (and also produced the Mason Williams chart-topper "Classical Gas").
Had the odd episode written and directed by Sopranos creator David Chase, Launched the careers of Kathryn Harrold (who I fell in love with ), Tom Selleck, Joe Santos and many others.
I remember managing to record 3 episodes per L750 tape on my Sony Betamax (still have them in a box in the loft).

It can never be bettered

[raigraphixs]

Cast updates for pilot

Dermot Mulroney as Jim Rockford (as mentioned above)

Alan Tudyk as Det. Dennis Becker



Producers: David Shore & Steve 'The Office' Carrell


.

[IAN P]

They should remake Petrocelli.



Just so he could finish that sodding house he was building.










Great show by the way.

[brian s]

Originally Posted by IAN P

They should remake Petrocelli. Just so he could finish that sodding house he was building. Great show by the way.

Rockford lived in a caravan, maybe Petrocelli was building the house for him.


Bri

[raigraphixs]

Beau Bridges will play trucker Joseph “Rocky” Rockford & father of ex-con private investigator Jim Rockford.

[brian s]

Originally Posted by raigraphixs

Beau Bridges will play trucker Joseph “Rocky” Rockford & father of ex-con private investigator Jim Rockford.

It's tempting to say "Oh how the mighty have fallen" but I bet he's on better money than me.


Bri

[raigraphixs]

According to Deadline, NBC were underwhelmed by the pilot and hence dropped the show for now.

PRIMETIME PILOT PANIC: 'Rockford Files' Is Now Dead At NBC

It's been a stunning downfall for NBC's update of the classic PI series, which only a month ago appeared as one of the few sure things this pilot season with its strong brand name, House creator David Shore as writer and Steve Carell as producer. The first signs of trouble came in the casting stage when it took a long time to cast the lead famously played by James Garner on the original series as several offers to A-list actors didn't pan out. But feedback from the audition of Dermot Mulroney, who has strong improv background, was great, and the pilot, which co-starred Alan Tudyk and Beau Bridges, went underway with Michael Watkins at the helm.

However, NBC was underwhelmed by the completed pilot. It then underwent major recutting, which was reportedly done by the editor of one of NBC's top drama pilots this year, the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced Chase. But, while an improvement vs. the original cut, the new version of the pilot still didn't impress NBC brass enough to muster a series order. Still, a redevelopment of the concept is a possibility.

[DICKIEDUVET]

Nobody could touch Garner in this role, But if it had to happen Jason Lee would have been my choice, Moustache optional

[LostFanBoy]

NBC is allegedly still interested in a remake of The Rockford Files.

It was previously reported that the network had decided to drop the new version of the show after expressing dissatisfaction with the pilot episode.

However, according to Fancast, the project is still active.

"We are actually redeveloping [the series], and we will be reshooting the pilot," confirmed NBC entertainment president Angela Bromstad.

She explained that Dermot Mulroney will not be returning to the role of private eye Jim Rockford in the new pilot. The part will be recast with a new actor.

The original version of the show, which aired on NBC between 1974 and 1980, starred James Garner as Rockford.

[muffins]

You can't beat this...why even try

YouTube - ‪James Garner (The Rockford Files)‬‎

[Garrett]

Good Grief beeing punched for real by Leo Gordon he was one big bad baddie in 99.9% of his roles I think if there was a list of top 10 actors that played baddies he be in it.

[raigraphixs]

Lost's Josh Holloway is reportedly being considered for the lead role in NBC's forthcoming remake of The Rockford Files.

Dermot Mulroney was originally cast as private detective Jim Rockford, but was later dropped when NBC executives expressed dissatisfaction with the unaired pilot.

Entertainment Weekly now reports that Holloway - who played James 'Sawyer' Ford on Lost - could take over the part.

Executive producer David Shore admitted that the actor was a "viable choice" but added that production was at "too premature" a stage to confirm casting.

"NBC is still high on the project," he confirmed. "They would like it to happen. Peter Berg's involved producing and possibly directing and we will be looking for a new lead."

The previous pilot also starred Alan Tudyk and Beau Bridges.

[Harj]

I remeber watching this when I was very young, ut don't remember much of it! Although, someone pls correct me if I'm wrong, didn't Bruce Lee appear in one episode, smash up his office as a warning , then leave?

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by Harj

I remeber watching this when I was very young, ut don't remember much of it! Although, someone pls correct me if I'm wrong, didn't Bruce Lee appear in one episode, smash up his office as a warning , then leave?

Think your getting mixed up with the film Marlowe, Bruce would be dead befor Rockford was filmed

Edit found the clip SPOILER Scene, read commenst 2 post below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEa_9...eature=related

[IAN P]

Originally Posted by Harj

I remeber watching this when I was very young, ut don't remember much of it! Although, someone pls correct me if I'm wrong, didn't Bruce Lee appear in one episode, smash up his office as a warning , then leave?

Apparently he was in an episode of Ironside.

[Garrett]

From what I Remember in Marlowe he bust the office up and later had a fight with James Garner (Marlowe) and did some flying kick at Marlowe SPOILERand was sidestepped and he flew off a the side of the building falling to his death.

He also was in the series Longstreet where if I recall rightly trained the blind Longstreet.

[brian s]

Originally Posted by IAN P

Apparently he was in an episode of Ironside.

Only a brief appearance I'm afraid though he did appear a few times in Longstreet.

YouTube - Longstreet: The Way of the Intercepting Fist Scene 9 of 17

Bri