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?
Without a doubt bring back the rifleman and let mark have a son who grows up to take up where his grandfather left off with his grandfather Lucas rifle. Of course mark names his son after his grandfather . He could be named Lucas Mark McCain. Hey it’s a thought to consider.
I would like to see Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain grown up, following in his father’s footstep. Or as a father to a son just like Lucas.
I think it would be a great opportunity for Crawford to be involved.
No. No Rifleman remake. It should not be done. Leave this Classic stand alone.
If the whent back to when luke earned his reputation as “The Rifleman” they could realy have somthing.
I don’t think you could pull off a reboot of the original without Johnny Crawford. I’m not sure if you should pick up the story years later with Crawford as the adult Mark or recreate the series with him playing a relative.
As one who grew up with the original series I can’t see him in the role of Mica Torrence. It would be great to see westerns make a comeback if done properly. We need more GOOD television shows that relay good morals and ethics. Not all the immorality and anti faith that endorse the immorality of today.
Love the show heck I’m old now maybe I could play the sheriff , just a thought.
I would love to see a reboot! I’m 18 years old and I grew up watching this show with my father! I know I’m probably a little late, but I really hope that there is still a possibility of a remake in the near future.
I have a question. Did Johnny Crawford dislike doing dishes as much as was portrayed in the Rifleman as young Mark McCain?
i love watching that show. of course “Mark” should be a character in some way be it part time or permanent.
I’m 64 grew up with the riflman . My parents loved it also. I’m watch al the old episodes now on me tv. I would love a come back.
I grew up watching The Rifleman and still watch reruns every Saturday morning. I would love to see a remake with Johnny playing the sheriff. he was an awesome child actor.
the sheriff would be the perfect role! good idea
i would love to see The Rifleman revised. Of course it won’t be the same, but if Johnny Crawford is involved it’s bound to be good. Johnny will make sure of that..
From what I gather this has been scrapped about a year or so ago. Which is a damm shame. It would be a quality show…naming better than 99% of the crap on tv now.
a very great show
please reboot the rifelman with johnny crawford involed.
Johnny Crawford was an amazing child actor and I would love to see more of his adult work. I believe it would be most interesting to see his take on playing Micah Torrance. That character was a critical part of the Rifleman story and Crawford’s interpretation of the character would help he reboot stay true to the world of Mark and Lucas McCain.
I would also insist that another tall athletic Irish actor play Lucas McCain, the Rifleman and a small blonde kid, his son. Stay true to the creator’s work.
would like very much, that western series was great
I have watched every episode of the Rifleman and I would like it to continue! Chuck Connors is my favorite actor! I am now 65 years old and Chuck Connors is almost the same age as my father. I would very much like this show to continue of course with new actors but I think Johnny Crawford could still play the part of Chuck Connors son.