Earlier today, we reported that CBS wants to revive the classic Western series, The Rifleman. They’ve signed Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier to a script deal and Harry Potter director Chris Columbus is on board to direct the pilot episode if the project gets that far.
As fans of the old ABC TV series know, the original Western is set in New Mexico and stars former pro-baseball player Chuck Connors as tough rancher named Lucas McCain. A widower, he’s a single dad to his only son, Mark (Johnny Crawford). Lucas is also a crack shot with a Winchester rifle but uses it only when necessary.
Connors died from lung cancer in 1992 but Crawford is still active in the industry. He continued to act when the show went off the air in 1963 and currently focuses on music. He’s a singer and leads the California-based Johnny Crawford Orchestra which specializes in vintage dance music.
Crawford tells us that he finds the possibility of a new Rifleman series “intriguing.” We asked if he’d be interested in being connected with a new show in some way and Crawford said, “I would love to be involved as an actor, director or music supervisor. I’ve always loved Westerns and I loved working on the original series.” He noted, “It was a great childhood.”
Crawford kept in touch with Connors up until the latter’s demise. They actually reprised their beloved roles not long before Connors died, in a 1991 Kenny Rogers TV movie called The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.
What do you think? If the new Rifleman series gets made, would you like to see Crawford involved somehow? In a cameo role or something more permanent?
Great idea! For some reason, I have pictured Randy Travis as the next Lucas McCain. I think it’s the squared away jaw that reminds me of Chuck Connors. I don’t know how good his acting is though. I also have thought about having Mark return to the ranch after he finds out his Dad passed away. Using the many black and white episodes and highlights of the old show, the flashback method could be used throughout the series and perhaps would reconnect the newer generations to the classic westerns. Hope CBS does it; but if they don’t, maybe Hallmark, Turner,… Read more »
The Encore Westerns channel would also be a good network!
Yes, Yes, and YES!!!!!!!!! (Have I mentioned “YES” ?!?)
Yes, yes, yes!
this would be so cool please western fans all over are wiating crawford has to be involved it would give the show a real boost i think it will be great for all.
A devoted, lifelong fan of one of television’s greatest western series, THE RIFLEMAN, starring Chuck Connors, Mike DiMuzio sought over the years to learn all he could about the program. He enjoys sharing trivia about the show’s production and cast, and retelling the colorful stories he’s heard from those closest to this classic show. Mike is acquainted with two of the sons of Chuck Connors – Jeff and Mike, as well as Johnny Crawford who played “Mark,” the loving son of “Lucas McCain.” He has spoken with them on many occasions. Mike has also been interviewed on radio shows about… Read more »
I think it would be great to have a new Rifleman Seris. Yes PLEASSSSSSSSSSSE make Johnny Crawford a permenant part of the show. I t agree that David Hasseloff would make a good Rifleman or it would be good to see Johnny Crawford married with his on son caring on the principles his father taught him.
Of course Johnny should be involved! I think he should be consulted as an advisor–or even make occasional guest appearances as an older relative. I think the old fans would flock to the series if he was involved in it in some way. I know several of them personally who would, including me. 🙂
I agree with everyone that Johnny Crawford should definitely be involved in “The Rifleman” reboot, it would be an insult not to have him involved.
Whoever they get to play the Rifleman had better be as good as Chuck Connors, because his shoes will be very hard to fill.
Yes, Johnny Crawford MUST be part of the series. It is the only way to ensure the integrity of the story of the The Rifleman.
The Rifleman was unique in its portrayal of Lucas McCain, widower and devoted father who moved west to start a new life following the death of his wife. His devotion to his son, community, and humbly doing the right thing was the essence of character. We can only hope that CBS will “get it right” and launch a remake the celebrates the heart and soul of the original. Will Johnny Crawford get a seat at the table? (Perhaps he can play Micah Torrance, Sheriff.) I was fortunate to have dinner with him last spring and he is a great guy.… Read more »
I’m just not interested if Johnny isn’t involved. It would be like doing It’s A Wonderful Life without Jimmy Stewart…just WRONG.
I’d like to see him involved, especially if it means providing depth to the characters. This show was superb, especially in the development of the relationship between a Father and his Son. They broke new ground with that series. I often catch a rerun on AMC early Saturday mornings. Great show with sound messages on how to raise a kid. I will be amazed if the remake lasts more than one season. The shallow ability of most actors these days will lead to its demise. Seems like an awful lot of rebooting going on today. Maybe the shallowness belongs solely… Read more »
I still watch Rifleman reruns, even though I’ve seen them all many times. The show was a HUGE part of my childhood that left lasting impressions and Crawford should definately be in the new series! Mark with a family to teach his grandchildren, I think. I drove from OKC to Ridgway, CO to see Crawford not long ago, and was very disappointed when he canceled on a trip to OK last year. He’s adorable and I’d like to see more of him!
It would be a great idea, Mark with a family to carrying on all the teachings of his
father to his children.
Johnny HAS to be involved. It would be crazy to exclude him. Johnny IS “The Rifleman “now. It’s about time to see him back on the screen. This is a terrific idea.