CBS has confirmed that "X-Men" actor Lucas Till will take on the title role for a new "MacGyver" series. The network is gearing up for a pilot reboot of the popular TV show, which was a hit in the 1980s.
The pilot show of "MacGyver," according to Variety, is described as a repositioning of the original concept. The storyline follows a very young "MacGyver" being recruited into a secret organization where he resorts to using his knowledge in sceince and problems solving to prevent disasters.
Furthermore, the publication reported that the network has also cast Joshua Boone as a series regular. The star of "Fan Girl" is set to play the role of Gunner, who in the series is MacGyver's best friend in high school. The duo will be accompanied by George Eads of "CSI" fame. Eads will play the character of an eccentric conspiracy theorist known as Lincoln.
Sources who spoke to the publication said Till's role ends the network's desperate and lengthy search for an actor. The series "MacGyver" was written by Paul Downs Colaizzo. This time around Colaizzo will be an executive producer for the show. He joins original producer Henry Winkler and other executive producers such as James Wan and Lee Zlotoff.
Wan is popularly known for directing films such as "The Conjuring" and "Insidious." During an interview with Crave Online in 2015, he revealed that "MacGyver" was a project he had to abandon in order to make "Furious 7."
During the interview, Wan revealed his concept for the remake. Under Wan's direction, MacGyver's character is to be a Boston university graduate struggling to fit in. He said the idea was to weave the lead character's story like a "North By Northwest" storyline.
The show ran for seven seasons on ABC in the United States between 1985 to 1992. The series which was filmed in Los Angeles follows secret agent Angus MacGyver, who was played by Richard Dean Anderson.
Educated as a scientist Anderson's character works as a troubleshooter for the Phoenix Foundation. He uses his knowledge of science to solve complex problems, opting for non-violent methods and to stay away from firearms.
Watch the trailer for the 80s show below :