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The guys behind Fringe and the new Star Trek movie, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, have made a deal with CBS to bring back classic cop show Hawaii Five-O. What makes this move even more interesting for scifi fans is the fact that Moonlight star Alex O’Loughlin is seriously being considered for the lead.
O’Loughlin hasn’t had much luck on TV, weathering first the cancellation of his cult favorite vampire drama and then the dismal hospital drama Three Rivers. CBS execs say they’re determined to find a successful vehicle for the charming Aussie actor and this could be the one.
Hawaii Five-O has plenty of remake potential since the only requirement for the series is the unusual locale. It does sound like Kurtzman and Orci might be keeping the original character names, too, which would make O’Loughlin the new Steve McGarrett. The original head of Five-O was played by Jack Lord and it’s a roll that not only made him famous, but in it he became a cultural icon.
From the much mocked opening wave and jazzy theme song, to the oft quoted “Book ‘em, Dano,” Hawaii Five-O is a true TV classic. But can a cult classic be retooled to suit a modern audience? Look at the new Star Trek movie. I’d say if anyone can do it, Kurtzman and Orci can.
Photo: Newscom
821 days ago
[...] In other fun news, Lost’s Daniel Dae Kim will be taking on the role of Chin Ho Kelly in the Hawaii Five-O remake. This casting implies that they will be using the original characters and not a new generation of characters as was previously discussed. That means that Alex O’Loughlin would indeed be playing Steve McGarrett if that casting goes through. [...]
If Alex is interested in this I’ll be there for sure! I hope it’s done well and I hope CBS does right this time with promoting it and giving it a much better time slot than 3R had! Alex I’m not worried about – he will bring it in every way and I can wait to see him do his thing!
Cynthia, I’ve since re-read THR article you’ve linked in your blog, and I agree it’s really unclear whether the new show will have the son (as Bernero planned back in August ’08), or the original Steve McGarrett character. I can’t tell if THR is describing the old show, or the new one. It seems more likely that Kurtzman, Orci and Lenkov will have not used Bernero’s idea, but rather go with their own, don’t you think?
In which case I was wrong, so, sorry for correcting you, when you were probably closer to the truth than I was.
Mandy, you’re right. Now I do remember reading something about a related McGarrett. The article I read was fuzzy on that point and it felt like they were talking straight remake.
The more I think about Alex in this role, the more I think he’s perfect. I don’t think people realize how charismatic Jack Lord was in his time and I think he and Alex share a lot of the same qualities. And we’ve seen him play detective, this time he simply won’t have fangs! Depending who they get to play Dano, this could be a great buddy show, too! I’m excited.
Alex is so ripe for a GOOD hit series. This is the kind of role this charismatic and energetic man should be playing! It looks like a magic combination. I am so ready to see Alex use that powerful physical presence he does so well. These guys ROCK!
Actually, It has been said that the new show will be focusing on Chris McGarrett – Steve McGarrett’s son. So I don’t know that this updated show will need to follow any of the previous show’s rules, apart from obviously being set in Hawaii. Seeing these two guys did such a wonderful job of creating a young Kirk and Spock, I don’t see why they couldn’t create a ‘new’ young, McGarrett in Alex, especially when it’s not even the same character.
I was initially quite dismayed by this (possible) role for him, but I’m starting to see the possibilities. Thanks for not bagging it sight unseen.