James Wan had to pass on directing CBS’ MacGyver pilot because of a scheduling conflict with post-production on The Conjuring 2, but the filmmaker has now cleared some space in his schedule to take the helm of a retooled version of the TV series.
David Von Ancken initially took his place as director after the show was picked up to series for the Fall, but now the original pilot has been scrapped in preference of a new take which was written by Hawaii Five-0 showrunner Peter Lenkov. New MacGyver Lucas Till and co-star George Eads will remain, but the rest of the cast is set to be replaced.
In the original pilot, MacGyuver was recruited by the clandestine organization from the original series and once again used his problem solving skills to help avert disasters. Here’s how the new take will shape up:
“MacGyver now 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. 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.”
It’s clear then that the network saw potential in MacGyver but decided that a new approach was needed in order for the show to find long running success. Supergirl ended up being an expensive disappointment for CBS last Fall (which is why it’s now had its budget slashed and been sent to The CW), so a repeat of that is not something they want.
More details about this new MacGyver will no doubt be revealed in the coming weeks and months, but Wan squeezing it into his schedule before work on Aquaman begins is definitely exciting news.
