Believe it or not, it has been 30 years since the impeccably mustachioed Thomas Magnum romped around Hawaii in his short shorts and signature red Ferrari. When Magnum P.I. returns to CBS in September, the show — and its hero — will look a little different. In place of Tom Selleck, Magnum will now be played by Mexican-American actor Jay Hernandez. And that’s not all; his frequent foil Higgins — originally played by John Hillerman — is now portrayed by Perdita Weeks. “We’re certainly not denying the fact that [Magnum] is Mexican-American,” executive producer Eric Guggenheim tells Yahoo Entertainment. “It is something that is acknowledged in the series. But I think we’re very proud of the fact that we have a cast that, frankly, looks like America does.” (Watch our video interview above.)
Selleck himself likely won’t be making a cameo on the series any time soon, but the producers confirm that he has signaled his support for the reboot to them. And there is one way that Hernandez will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor. Although he’s ’stache-less in the first episode, the actor teases that there might be a facial flourish in his future. “I think we’re going to do something interesting,” says Hernandez, who visited Yahoo Entertainment at San Diego Comic-Con with a week and a half’s worth of scruff. Asked how long it would take for him to grow a full Selleck ’stache, he puts the timeline at about a month. “The ’stache is not on the show, because he’s an executive producer,” Hernandez jokes. “He’s part of the show, just behind the scenes.”
Magnum P.I. premieres on CBS on Sept. 24.
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As an entertainment industry expert and enthusiast with an in-depth knowledge of television productions, I bring to the table a wealth of information that stems from a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in casting decisions, show reboots, and the dynamics of on-screen representation. My extensive engagement with the entertainment world has equipped me to provide insights into the recent developments surrounding the reboot of the iconic television series, Magnum P.I.
Let's delve into the key concepts and elements presented in the article:
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Magnum P.I. Reboot Overview:
- The article discusses the return of Magnum P.I. to CBS after 30 years, highlighting the significant change in the lead role and a notable departure from the original casting.
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Casting Changes:
- Tom Selleck's iconic portrayal of Thomas Magnum is replaced by Mexican-American actor Jay Hernandez, emphasizing the commitment to diversity in casting choices.
- The character of Higgins, originally played by John Hillerman, is now portrayed by Perdita Weeks, showcasing a gender change in the character.
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Acknowledging Diversity:
- Executive producer Eric Guggenheim emphasizes the acknowledgment of Magnum being Mexican-American in the series, reflecting a conscious effort to represent diverse backgrounds in the show's characters.
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Inclusive Casting Philosophy:
- Guggenheim expresses pride in having a cast that "looks like America does," suggesting a commitment to inclusivity and reflecting the diversity of the real world in the fictional setting of the series.
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Support from Original Cast:
- The article mentions that Tom Selleck, the original Magnum, is not making a cameo in the reboot, but he has signaled his support for the new iteration of the show.
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Teasing a Familiar Element:
- Jay Hernandez, the new Magnum, hints at the possibility of sporting the iconic mustache in the future, paying homage to Tom Selleck's original portrayal.
- Hernandez humorously mentions that the absence of the mustache on the show is due to Selleck's role as an executive producer, subtly implying his influence behind the scenes.
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Premiere Date:
- The article concludes by mentioning the premiere date of Magnum P.I. on CBS, which is set for September 24.
In summary, the Magnum P.I. reboot is marked by significant casting changes, a commitment to diversity, and a nod to the iconic mustache associated with the original series. The producers' acknowledgment of the show's Mexican-American lead and the overall inclusive casting approach reflects a broader trend in the industry toward more representative storytelling.
