ABC is ready for the next generation of Magnum, P.I. in more ways than one. The network has a sequel to the popular 1980s crime drama series in the works, and with it comes a new Magnum taking on cases in Hawaii. The follow-up project centers on Thomas Magnum’s daughter, Lily, reports Deadline.
Called Magnum, the sequel plans to follow Lily (whose nickname is somehow “Tommy”) Magnum as she heads back to Hawaii to take over the private investigation firm headed up by her father in the original series. She’ll work with a group of friends to investigate international crime in the beautiful setting, including the failed spy operation that brought an end to her Navy career. Like its predecessor, the project is intended to be full of action and entertainment.
Leverage creator John Rogers is writing the script and executive producing alongside Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, and Jennifer Court. Universal TV is the studio. Apparently, the creators agreed that it would be impossible to find someone to fill the huge shoes of Tom Selleck, the actor who played the titular private eye for eight seasons on CBS.
“We knew no one could replace the iconic role of Thomas Magnum, so John decided to make the reboot a sequel and continue the adventure of a Magnum — his daughter, who was established in the original series,” Longoria and Spector told Deadline.
Although Lily appeared in just four episodes of Magnum, P.I., she was there for the end of the series. Thomas Magnum assumed responsibility for his daughter after her mother and stepfather died. With Magnum, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of relationship they ended up developing and what kind of impact he had on her. There’s no word yet on whether Selleck will appear on the show, but we’re definitely hoping he’ll pop up, if only to say, “I know what you’re thinking…”
The project has a script commitment plus substantial penalty, according to Deadline. It still remains to be seen if it will wind up on TV — and if so, how it will measure up to its beloved predecessor.
