Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
01-24-11, 05:34 PM
#1
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Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
From TVGuide.com
After stories floated that TNT had failed to reach a financial agreement with Larry Hagman to reprise his role of J.R. Ewing in an update of the 1978-91 primetime soap Dallas — and would move forward with an altered script that would write out the popular character — both parties expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved.
And now I'm happy to report that a deal's been struck! Yep, I just got off the phone with Larry, who tells me he's in! "I haven't signed any contract but I gave them my commitment verbally," says the star, who'll turn 80 this year. "I just told them I'd do it and my word's good!"
The updated pilot, written by former Cane scribe Cynthia Cidre, finds 'ole J.R. confined to a mental asylum in a near catatonic state, having not spoken a word in years. How does Larry feel about this bold and startling plot development?
"Whatever they want is okay with me," he says, vowing J.R. won't be locked away for long. "Oh, I'll get out and cause more trouble! That's for sure!"
Here's a little synopsis on the update:
"Dallas" – Executive producer Cynthia Cidre, writer of the acclaimed film The Mambo Kings and creator/executive producer of the TV series "Cane," has crafted an update of the long-running series about the Ewings of Southfork, whose betrayals, jealousies and passions have made them famous. The story focuses on the offspring of bitter rivals and brothers JR and Bobby Ewing, who clash over the future of the Ewing dynasty while the fate of Southfork itself weighs in the balance. This project, based upon the iconic series created by David Jacobs, comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television.
Read more: TNT and TBS Order Four Pilots Including Dallas - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnew...#ixzz1Bzz4sPmu
After stories floated that TNT had failed to reach a financial agreement with Larry Hagman to reprise his role of J.R. Ewing in an update of the 1978-91 primetime soap Dallas — and would move forward with an altered script that would write out the popular character — both parties expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved.
And now I'm happy to report that a deal's been struck! Yep, I just got off the phone with Larry, who tells me he's in! "I haven't signed any contract but I gave them my commitment verbally," says the star, who'll turn 80 this year. "I just told them I'd do it and my word's good!"
The updated pilot, written by former Cane scribe Cynthia Cidre, finds 'ole J.R. confined to a mental asylum in a near catatonic state, having not spoken a word in years. How does Larry feel about this bold and startling plot development?
"Whatever they want is okay with me," he says, vowing J.R. won't be locked away for long. "Oh, I'll get out and cause more trouble! That's for sure!"
Here's a little synopsis on the update:
"Dallas" – Executive producer Cynthia Cidre, writer of the acclaimed film The Mambo Kings and creator/executive producer of the TV series "Cane," has crafted an update of the long-running series about the Ewings of Southfork, whose betrayals, jealousies and passions have made them famous. The story focuses on the offspring of bitter rivals and brothers JR and Bobby Ewing, who clash over the future of the Ewing dynasty while the fate of Southfork itself weighs in the balance. This project, based upon the iconic series created by David Jacobs, comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television.
Read more: TNT and TBS Order Four Pilots Including Dallas - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnew...#ixzz1Bzz4sPmu
01-24-11, 07:07 PM
#3
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
This could be cool, but it is hard to imagine anyone pulling off the character of JR like Hagman did (including current Hagman).
01-24-11, 07:33 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
So they are going with a 90210-type idea. Wonder if any other old cast members will show up.
01-24-11, 07:51 PM
#5
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
I thought at one point they were planning a theatrical movie based on the series. Should be interesting to see a new version of Dallas will play out though as it was always kind of a guilty pleasure show for me. I wonder if they'll try to get any of the other original cast members for the series or if they're wanting to just start fresh (minus Hagman of course).
01-24-11, 08:02 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
I thought at one point they were planning a theatrical movie based on the series. Should be interesting to see a new version of Dallas will play out though as it was always kind of a guilty pleasure show for me. I wonder if they'll try to get any of the other original cast members for the series or if they're wanting to just start fresh (minus Hagman of course).
Another article I read said they also approached Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray to see if they had any interest in returning.
01-25-11, 11:15 AM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
I have no problem with Dallas coming back, particularly if Hagman is playing J.R. But I pray that it's never remade with a new generation J.R. Hagman is J.R. - the most iconic television villain ever.
01-25-11, 02:31 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Hooray. Another not-new idea comes to TV. After Hawaii Five-O was a success after several failures (Knight Rider, Melrose Place, Bionic Woman, etc.), I guess another 80's re-mounting was destined to happen sooner or later. 
01-25-11, 03:47 PM
#11
Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
I thought I felt this way too. Then I saw his guest spot on Desperate Housewives. Not so sure I'm looking forward to this.
01-29-11, 11:33 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Cast update:
http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/the-...boot/#comments
Jordana Brewster has been cast as one of the leads.
Linda Gray (Sue Ellen) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby) will also reprising their original roles.
http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/the-...boot/#comments
Jordana Brewster has been cast as one of the leads.
Linda Gray (Sue Ellen) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby) will also reprising their original roles.
01-30-11, 12:27 AM
#14
Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Obligatory post of the epic theme song:
I never new for a long time that the reason Sasha Mitchell showed up on Step by Step was because of his connection to Dallas.
I've wanted to go through the original series for a long time, but the time commitment is nuts and by all accounts everything post season six is awful.
I never new for a long time that the reason Sasha Mitchell showed up on Step by Step was because of his connection to Dallas.
I've wanted to go through the original series for a long time, but the time commitment is nuts and by all accounts everything post season six is awful.
01-30-11, 12:37 AM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
They'll probably just ignore the history whenever convenient anyway. As long as you know the basic dynamics between the original lead characters I'm sure that's all the background that will be needed.
01-31-11, 04:30 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
I'm in! I grew up watching the show. Even though my parents were divorced, both of them watched it so I was able to keep up from one week to the next. In '96 TNN re-ran it on weekday afternoons and I gorged that summer. I even kept watching when it cycled back around. One of these days I'm gonna track it down on DVD. I'm fine with new cast and characters being introduced; the show had a way of doing that regularly enough anyway. I just don't want to see them re-cast anyone who'd already been established, and it doesn't sound like that's their intention anyway.
As for Hagman, even though he didn't create J.R. Ewing it's really his character. If this update meets with his approval, that's good enough for me. They've got to be really careful, though, about the show's dynamics. J.R. has to be central to the story--even if Hagman himself isn't on screen all that much. Anyone else, whether a pre-existing character or a new one, would just come off as a poor substitute for the real deal and we won't buy it.
For you younger viewers, imagine ten years from now if James Gandolfini appeared as Tony Soprano in a new series, but the show wasn't really about him anymore. No matter what you thought of the new characters, in the back of your mind you'd know that Tony Soprano was out there and that's who you'd really rather be following.
As for Hagman, even though he didn't create J.R. Ewing it's really his character. If this update meets with his approval, that's good enough for me. They've got to be really careful, though, about the show's dynamics. J.R. has to be central to the story--even if Hagman himself isn't on screen all that much. Anyone else, whether a pre-existing character or a new one, would just come off as a poor substitute for the real deal and we won't buy it.
For you younger viewers, imagine ten years from now if James Gandolfini appeared as Tony Soprano in a new series, but the show wasn't really about him anymore. No matter what you thought of the new characters, in the back of your mind you'd know that Tony Soprano was out there and that's who you'd really rather be following.
02-03-11, 07:24 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Dallas is my all-time favorite show, although I must admit the show went downhill the year Patrick Duffy quit the show and then went further into the abyss when the show's credibility was destroyed by the dream season. Victoria Principal quitting was the final nail in the coffin IMHO because the show lost the whole Romeo and Juliet concept.
Anyway, I hope J.R. in the new show is more like Jock was in the old show (gruff patriarch) now that he's ancient. And I hope he plays the role seriously rather than tongue in cheek. I'm sure at times the writers will ignore facts and characters from the old show, but if the new show is supposed to be a continuation then omissions/mistakes will be disappointing whenever they happen.
Looking forward to this! Guess I'll have to order cable again.
Anyway, I hope J.R. in the new show is more like Jock was in the old show (gruff patriarch) now that he's ancient. And I hope he plays the role seriously rather than tongue in cheek. I'm sure at times the writers will ignore facts and characters from the old show, but if the new show is supposed to be a continuation then omissions/mistakes will be disappointing whenever they happen.
Looking forward to this! Guess I'll have to order cable again.
02-03-11, 07:47 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Let's hope this goes better than the Melrose Place remake.
This could work with the proper writers. The older cast and be prominant as well as a younger cast to carry on the Ewing Legacy.
They should definitely bring some of the Knot's Landing characters to make it interesting.
How about Abby in Dallas?
This could work with the proper writers. The older cast and be prominant as well as a younger cast to carry on the Ewing Legacy.
They should definitely bring some of the Knot's Landing characters to make it interesting.
How about Abby in Dallas?
02-03-11, 07:49 PM
#19
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
If they want the next generation of Ewings instead of inventing characters they could always bring in some of Gary and Val's kids. They had twins that would probably be in their mid 20s by now.
02-04-11, 06:12 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
02-04-11, 08:36 PM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
Actually really excited for this. Even though I'm 22, I've bought the Dallas seasons and have loved them. Just finished Season 9 for the challenge (the dream season). Hopefully I can finish it all up in time (given the pilot is picked up).
02-11-11, 07:07 AM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethe...ts-dallas.html
"Desperate Housewives" and "Chase" alum Jesse Metcalfe has beat out Alex Russell for the role of Christopher, Bobby and Pam Ewing's adopted son, in TNT's updated "Dallas," TV Line reports. "Veronica Mars'" Julie Gonzalo has also been cast in a lead role in the pilot.
The new "Dallas" centers on the offspring of brother/rivals J.R. and Bobby Ewing -- J.R.'s son John Ross (Metcalfe's fellow "Desperate Housewives" alum Josh Henderson) and his cousin Christopher (Metcalfe). John and Christopher will clash over the Ewing dynasty while the fate of Southfork weighs in the balance.
Gonzalo will be playing Christopher's fiancee Rebecca and recently appeared on "Nikita" and co-starred on "Eli Stone."
"Dallas" is from "Cane" creator Cynthia Cidre and also stars Jordana Brewster. Three stars from the original "Dallas" -- Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy -- will be reprising their roles.
Jesse "I can't act to save my life" Metcalfe? Why don't they just ship this off to the CW?
I get more and more turned off from this update with every new casting notice.
I can't wait for every scene to revolve around the Southfork pool with everyone tanning.
07-08-11, 11:54 AM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/08/tnt-dallas/
It's official, TNT has ordered the Dallas update. 10 episodes ordered, which includes the Pilot and it will premiere in Summer 2012.
A special preview will air on Monday during the premiere of The Closer and Rizzoli and Isles.
It's official, TNT has ordered the Dallas update. 10 episodes ordered, which includes the Pilot and it will premiere in Summer 2012.
A special preview will air on Monday during the premiere of The Closer and Rizzoli and Isles.
07-08-11, 11:58 AM
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Re: Larry Hagman to return as JR Ewing in TNT update of Dallas
