- CBS' rebooted MacGyver pilot has its original director back. James Wan will helm the second incarnation of the pilot, which was picked up to series in May for a debut this fall, The Hollywood Reporter said.
A reimagining of the classic show, CBS' MacGyver is an action-adventure drama about twentysomething Angus "Mac" MacGyver (Lucas Till), who creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives. Joining his team on high-risk missions around the globe is maverick former CIA agent Jack Dalton (George Eads). At home, MacGyver is entertained by his ambitious roommate, Wilt Bozer (Justin Hires). Under the aegis of the Department of External Services, MacGyver takes on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip.
Wan will remain an executive producer on the drama, which is now a co-production between CBS Television Studios and Lionsgate Television. He was originally set to direct the pilot but dropped out due to scheduling. Wan was replaced by David Von Ancken, who helmed the pilot that is ultimately being scrapped but was good enough to score a series pickup. Wan will now in turn replace Von Ancken.
CBS' MacGyver has already gone through several incarnations. The original script was written by R. Scott Gemmill (NCIS: L.A.) but ultimately picked up to pilot with new writers Paul Downs Colaizzo (CBS pilot LFE from last season) and Brett Mahoney (Code Black). The project now has a third writer attached as Hawaii Five-0's Peter Lenkov boarded the drama when it was picked up to series in May.
Of the original cast, only Till and Eads will remain for the reshoot; Hires signed on this week to co-star as the drama — a high priority for CBS Television Studios — completely changes its course.
Henry Winkler, who executive produced the original series, is on board to serve in the same capacity alongside Michael Clear, head of production at Wan's Atomic Monster. Wan (Aquaman, Mortal Kombat, Saw) will exec produce and segue into TV with the project. Lenkov and Craig O'Neill also will exec produce.
MacGyver will air on Fridays this fall, where it will open the night at 8 p.m. for CBS.
Wan also is readying his Boom! Studios comic Malignant Man for the big screen with Fox and Brad Peyton. He also co-wrote and directed The Conjuring 2, which scared up almost $40.4 million as it opened in first place last weekend. The in-demand filmmaker also produced Lights Out, another horror movie that New Line will open July 22, and he is set to direct Aquaman for Warner Bros.
