Dallas: TNT Orders a Pilot for “Next Generation” Series

Last October, we reported on early plans by Warner Bros. to do a Dallas: The Next Generation-style show for sister company TNT. The rumor was that the new Dallas series would focus on the offspring of some of the original main cast — John Ross III, the son of J.R. (Larry Hagman) and Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), and Christopher, the adopted son of Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Pam (Victoria Principal).

Hagman, Gray and Duffy had reportedly been contacted to see if they’d be interested in taking part (Principal’s character was in an accident and her face was dramatically altered by plastic surgery). Hagman said that he’d be open to it but his interest really would depend on the quality script. And, not surprisingly, that was the last we heard of it. Projects like this often fall by the wayside.

Today, TNT announced plans to shoot a pilot for a new Dallas series. Here’s the info from the press release:

Dallas: Executive producer Cynthia Cidre, writer of the acclaimed film The Mambo Kings and creator/executive producer of the TV series Cane, has crafted an update of the long-running series about the Ewings of Southfork, whose betrayals, jealousies and passions have made them famous.

The story focuses on the offspring of bitter rivals and brothers JR and Bobby Ewing, who clash over the future of the Ewing dynasty while the fate of Southfork itself weighs in the balance. This project, based upon the iconic series created by David Jacobs, comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television.

It’s unknown what ages the next generation will be in this new incarnation or if Omri Katz, the actor who played John Ross III for seven seasons and in the reunion movie, will be considered. He’s now 34 and, based on his IMDB resume, hasn’t been very active in the business for awhile.

What do you think? Are you interested in seeing a continuation of the Dallas series or should they do a reboot instead (ala CBS’ upcoming Hawaii Five-0)?