Comments on: Magnum P.I.: Coming to Big Screen, But Without Tom Selleck

By: Shawn Wittman

Shawn Wittman — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:37:20 +0000

I would kill to see a Magnum PI reunion show. But to have one where NONE of them are from the good old classic show. For me that’s not worth going to see. I’m a VERY high Tom Selleck fan, and a big fan of the show Magnum PI. I got all the DVD’s that are currently available at the stores.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 03:04:40 +0000

Oh, Come On!! There is only one MAGNUM and that is…..Tom Selleck! Mr. Selleck I can understand you not wanting to return as Magnum but, Tom you have people who would easily go out and see you if you were to go on to the Big Screen with Magnum and I, for one ,your biggest fan would be the first online to buy tickets.

By: JR

JR — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:17:49 +0000

Whichever studio and director had the clout to make a Magnum movie in the early 90s sure dropped the ball. Why didn’t they make the movie with the original actors, while they were all still alive and looking the parts? Idiots! Matt Mac as Magnum? You would have to hire Selleck write his character’s part, complete with wit, humor and personality. None of the executives slated for this new movie had anything to do with the original series. It would not be the same.

I agree with Selleck… if they cannot pay homage to the original series, in the new characters, including the shorts, ‘stach and car, then don’t bother at all. They waited too late. Higgy baby is dead.

By: Sandra Branum

Sandra Branum — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:35:50 +0000

If I was going to write a Magnum TV reunion script, who would I cantact for permission?

By: dove eckstein

dove eckstein — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:04:45 +0000

Tom selleck is the best actor in this world he has to play in the movie it would not be the without him

By: dove eckstein

dove eckstein — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:57:24 +0000

Tom selleck is the best actor in this world he has to play in the movie and he is great

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:26:46 +0000

Leave the thing alone. there is only one Magnum that is Selleck.
He made the role what it was . I you want to do make it as they would be today.

By: robin masters

robin masters — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:28 +0000

I can understand all the changes- making Magnum, TC, and Rick Iraq vets, using younger actors, etc.- but Matthew McConnaughey? Good God, Steve Zahn would be a better Magnum than McConnaughey. At least Zahn has some range. That’s flat out insulting to fans of the original series. Just pathetic. And while I think Macy could be a decent Higgins, I fear he’ll play the character as a sad, pathetic joke, just as he did Admiral Sandecker in Sahara.

The real trouble though- and this is why movie remakes of old shows usually fail- is that there was some magic and chemistry that made it work originally, and you can’t recapture that. It was based on the people, the places, and the circumstances in which it existed. It’s like running into your best friend from high school with whom you no longer have anything in common, or an old flame long after the heat is gone- what you had was great, but it’s just gone, and you’re better off savoring the memories than trying to rekindle it. That’s what will happen with this movie. It will be okay but eminently forgettable, with not even a hint of the flair of the original.

By the by, as a fellow famous author, and as a movie viewer who though Sahara was a horrible movie and an insult to the book, it’s fans, and it’s author, I fully support Clive Cussler’s legal action.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Higgins ER, UM, I MEAN Robin Masters

By: PB

PB — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:35:35 +0000

In the words of Jonathan Higgins, “OH – MY – GOD!!!”

The thing is, there will be plenty of people who had fond memories of the TV series, but unlike 90% of people who have posted here, and myself, arent willing to go to the lengths of buying the DVDs and reinvigorating their love of the original series… What will happen is those people will go and see the movie, and will be wondering “I wonder if its as good as I remember” and be sorely disappointed by the movie. This movie will not be for the fans… anyone who is a true fan of The Mag will not go to this movie, especially with a first rate cheesemeister like McConnaughey in the lead role. What a joke. But people will go. The people who remember liking Magnum but might not necessarily want to revisit the original series.

Why oh why does Hollywood have to remake every bloody thing? Some things are sacred. Mr Thurber, have you ever listened to that little voice that is always talking away inside your head? Well your little voice should be shouting “Dont Do It!” If the rumors are true, and the casting is who they say, it will be a parody remake, like Starsky and Hutch but worse. Magnum was unique in that it could be light hearted and whimsical, then intelligent, while being undeniably serious, and then also totally profound and full of very deep observations. Very rarely, if ever, has any other TV series come close to this level of quality. Except maybe Miami Vice. And that remake sucked too! Thurbers comments show that he doesnt really care about recreating the true spirit of Magnum, only about making a quick dollar. As I said, the true fans wont have a bar of this. I will avoid this movie like the plague… I would be too afraid that it would taint my appreciation of THE REAL Magnum PI, which is the greatest TV series ever. Ever.

Mr Thurber, you should be liberally beaten around the head with a rubber chicken!!!! TM has one in his closet, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind lending it out for a moment or two….

By: º |

º | — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:45:55 +0000

I worked on an episode of Magnum P.I. in 1987 in several capacities including acting in one scene. The show had its own culture, which I found fascinating. Few films based on TV series have been successful, or memorable. They are obviously designed to capitalize on the name and reputation of the original, but seldom deliver much more than that. With new casts, updating and certain changes of the original given circumstances, the only resemblance is usually the film’s name and the names of some of the characters. If the scripts were good enough to merit making these films, it would be better to make an original film and there would be no reason to rip-off the original. Unfortunately, most of the scripts aren’t worth making and relay on hype, first weekend receipts and DVD sales and rentals to generale revenues rather than quality or originality.
I applaud Tom Selleck for not wanting to be involved.

By: R J

R J — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:48:56 +0000

Matthew as Thomas Sullivan Magnum? You have got to be kidding? Oh wait that’s right it is a lame Hollywood remake. It will tank. Now bring back TM, Rick, TC, Johnathan Quail Higgins, Agatha and the lads, throw in some flashbacks, Michelle, Lilli, Buck Green, Lt. Comander Maggie…and it will make millions not only at the box office but DVD’s sales as well.

By: kade

kade — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:44:09 +0000

Magnum P.I. movie with out Magnum, higgins, TC, Rick, Agatha and the lads just would not work. Mass dissapoinment for all the massive fans like my self.

By: Jonathan Foster

Jonathan Foster — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:33:46 +0000

Magnum PI without Tom Selleck, what a joke!!! If Tom Selleck does not play Magnum in the new movie I won’t be seeing the movie and I know alot of people who feel the same.

By: D.H.

D.H. — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:13:35 +0000

Everyone has seen magnum PI its not that old, its not like the fugative where your dad might remember it from his childhood and the people who are going to the movies cant remember the cast. Its not even as if tom selleck and co are too old to take on the roles. I’m too young to remember Magnum when it first came out in the early 80s but i do remember watching repeats on tv and have 3 seasons on DVD so far. but heres my point. While I might pay top dollar to see Magnum on the big screen I’d rather not see a movie at all without the original cast and location.

By: TOM.SELLECK

TOM.SELLECK — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:20:33 +0000

…..NOW.COME.ON.GUYS…
HEY.EVRY.DOG.HAS.HIS.DAY.AND.
IF.THE.POWERS.THAT.DEEM.THATS.THE.WAY.IT.IS.WELL.
…..WHO.AM.I.TO.DISAGREE.,..
HOWEVER.IF,THEY.CHANGE.THIER.
MINDS.IM.NOT.CHEEP.
….BUT.CAN.BE.HAD

By: Liz Binkley

Liz Binkley — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:31:55 +0000

Magnum PI-what can I say-even my kids (ages 20, 18, 7 and 2) love it. We are not interested in a Matthew McConaughy version-it just won’t be the same. Yes, you will make money–but fans will be sorely dissappointed. Many recent remakes did not fair so well. I’d rather watch Tom Selleck in something else now-like the Jesse Stone series. Eventhough he is older now, he hasn’t lost his charm. Count us out for the re-make. James Garner did several made for TV movies of the Rockford Files–and he was older, but the charm and magic of the cast of chacters were what brought the fans together. Thanks Tom, John, Roger and Larry for your wonderful theatrical talents. You are missed.
Magnum PI–one of the best TV series ever made.

By: kygail

kygail — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:19:40 +0000

Cannot imagine a Magnum, PI without Tom Selleck and the “boys” – Zeus and Apollo included. Not a chance I would waste any of my hard-earned money on a Magnum movie without MAGNUM.

By: john flores

john flores — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:32:17 +0000

I recently paid a visit to the old estate, spending hours with my wife lounging on the beach behind the Magnum place. It’s still gorgeous, but starting to age quite a bit. Without Tom Selleck, I can say for sure the film won’t work.
McConaughy just does not have the acting ability, or the personal charm, of Selleck.

By: Bowie Hamilton

Bowie Hamilton — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:30:04 +0000

Going to be horrible. So bad. If Tom Selleck and the rest of the crew can’t get the big screen, they should do a TV sequel movie. I would rather see the old cast on the big screen but if it won’t happen, I would love to see them on T.V. It wouldn’t have to be a cheap Dallas reunion. They could do some specials with some sequels and use the same writers. Synchronize it with the cheap new movie coming out and the T.V. version will be better without the budget of the movie. Magnum P.I. doesn’t need the big budget, it just needs the familiarity. Selleck can be an old guy wearing hawaiin shirts. There are plenty of those around who do fine. People would love it.

By: Rebecca J. Smith

Rebecca J. Smith — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 02:17:23 +0000

No Tom Selleck,and the guy’s,count me out!! everyone gets older and so do you Mr. Thurber and It would be an inslut to us fans of the beloved Magnum p.i. I watch reruns everyday monday thru friday,over and over again, and (sorry Matt) but on alot of the shows in a funny or wreid scene Tom whould look right into the camera and give that funny little grin,it made us feel like he was looking right at us lol. you whould’nt be able to do it. this whould be a waste of money to not cast the same cast members,you’ll loose alot. TC,Rick and Higgins,Agatha were the best!! Tom Selleck is a great actor,I guess I’ve said enough Rebecca J. Smith

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:39:42 +0000

Part of Mangnum P.I.’s appeal drew from its format. The creators had to follow rules that don’t apply to T.V. today since there were only four channels to choose from when it debuted. The target demographic included the entire age spectrum, for instance. An updated Mangnum P.I. – even with the original members – would be cancelled after one season today. Fast-paced editing, exponentioally more channels, DVRs, Netfix, and very targeted demographics render Mangum’s once-groundbreaking format uncompetitive. And the much-celebrated chemistry between Selleck and Hillerman relied on this format for success. So I’m skeptical in this way only: it might be a good movie, but it most certaily won’t be the Magnum P.I. we have come know. I predict a marginal ROI at best for the investors.

By: linda

linda — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:13:28 +0000

I can’t believe that you do a Magumn P I without Tom Selleck. It won’t be the same. Count me OUT!!!!

By: perry duffy

perry duffy — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:46:42 +0000

a magnum pi movie will fail,without selleck and hillerman, it cant work,and whoever put up the money for it should be committed…enough said

By: Raymond Anthony

Raymond Anthony — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:26:47 +0000

as a fan of the 80s magnum
i do belive that a new generation magnum
should be a more fresh
one could get a unknown nephew
of thomas magnum who allso holds the magnum name since he is famliy he should fit thomas shoes well he will come in to takeover for thomas as pi since thomas is not getting any younger.
i allso feel that it would be
in its best not
do a remake of a once great tv series
but to take it to the next step as a movie
if you like.
to bring it to life
with a new cast new names and new stories that fit with the times that we are in. i allso add
the former cast could cameo
if they wanted.
so that it can be something
to look back proud at in another 20 years to 30 years without it harming the tv series that was great in it’s time.

sorry for any mistakes!!

By: Nick Kitt

Nick Kitt — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 02:22:28 +0000

Mr, Thurber
Don’t listen to mindless sceptics.There were no complexities and depth of characters. MAGNUM was simply a silly TV show with aspirations to be a hip ROCKFORD FILES which it failed at. It was,however, a fun little action series with light humor with fun characters all of whom would be wonderfully played by Matt McConaughey,Steve Zahn,and Bill Macy. You are making the right choice,Mr Thurber. They said no one could replace Sean Connery,but know everyone is talking about Daniel Craig. It is time for Tom Sellack to rest on his laurels. He had his chance at TV reunion movies and he passed. Go for it Mr Thurber. Matt and his crew deserve better after that stupid lawsuit brought on by Clive”the jive” Cussler and MAGNUM is the perfect thing !!!

By: kidney stone

kidney stone — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:38:16 +0000

kidney stone

By: Anson P.I.

Anson P.I. — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:11:14 +0000

I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right…Thurber needs to honour the spirit of the original show or the movie will flop. Magnum P.I. is more than just a “title you know, a theme song you love and a kick-ass Ferrari”!?

The brilliance of the show was in the subtlety of the humour, the witty dialogue and the complexities and depth of the characters. Every episode had the perfect balance of action, adventure and drama with an occassional shot of campiness.

Thurber, When I finally get around to writing my book “How to write a movie about a world class private investigator” I will send you a copy. Have your people call my people, we’ll do lunch at the King Kamehameha Club.

By: Peter Costello

Peter Costello — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:04:19 +0000

The on screen chemistry Hillerman and Magnum portrayed is the soul of Magnum PI. The movie might as well be a random title because the plot and storyline doesnt follow…

By: DANIEL W. ADAMS

DANIEL W. ADAMS — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 07:37:25 +0000

No original cast members??? Don’t bother!! You WILL Fail.

By: DANIEL W. ADAMS

DANIEL W. ADAMS — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 07:36:51 +0000

No original cast members??? Don’t bother!! You WILL Fail.

By: Craig Boyd

Craig Boyd — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:57:20 +0000

If the Director/Writer Thurber has said, “My guiding principles for the adaptation are these: no short shorts, no cameos, no moustaches. It’s a title you know, a theme song you love and a kick-ass Ferrari.” His movie will be a failure, he doesn’t get what Magnum PI means. The success was because of people – Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, and the rest of the cast – he could have driven a Ford Pinto, lived in Nebraska and worn only long pants and it would still have been good.

By: Nick Kitt

Nick Kitt — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:39:45 +0000

I,for one, think the new cast fit the concept of MAGNUM perfectly. With the future of Dirk Pitt movies a foregone conclusion thanks to the asinine lawsuit from Clive Cussler,it’s good to see these guys and their great chemistry gettting started in a new genre and MAGNUM is the perfect vehicle. Tom Selleck is too old and should stick to cable westerns and JESSE STONE tv films. Even Sean Connery got too old for James Bond and now everyone is thinking Daniel Craig. I know McConaughey and his crew can fit the bill because they can do action filled comedy like they did in the underrated SAHARA. McConaughey,Zahn,and Macy–brilliant casting !!!