Walker, a reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger, adds The X-files' Mitch Pileggi to the cast. Starring Chuck Norris, the original Walker, Texas Ranger was a huge success and ran on CBS for eight seasons. Premiering in 1993, the Norris-led action crime series was noted for its recurring display of martial arts and moralistic aptitude. Putting Norris’ career on the map for his role as Cordell Walker, the original series also starred Clarence Gilyard as Texas Ranger James Trivette and Sheree Wilson as Walker’s love interest.
Last year, The CW announced it would give Walker, Texas Ranger the reboot treatment in the form of a series called Walker, with Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki slated as the title character. Steering away from the original plotlines, Walker will follow Cordell Walker (Padalecki), a widower with two children who relocates to Austin after being undercover for two years. Discovering the bulk of his work has just begun - while being haunted by the suspicious circumstances of his wife’s death - Walker will be joined by a new partner, Micki - one of the first women in the history of Texas Rangers. Earlier this month, The 100 Star Lindsey Morgan was tapped to play Walker’s trailblazing partner, and Pretty Little Liars star Keegan Allen to portray Cordell’s younger brother. Now, another television veteran rounds out the cast of the highly-anticipated reboot.
As reported to Deadline, Pileggi joins the Walker cast as Cordell’s tough-as-nails father, Bonham Walker. Described as a “man who speaks his mind,” Bonham is a third-generation Texas rancher who spends his days supervising cowboys and training horses. Toting conservative viewpoints and the makings of a true family man, Bonham does not refrain from doling out tough love to his children.
Best known for his role as Assistant Director Walter Skinner in The X-files, Pileggi is no stranger to the television world with iconic characters in Grey’s Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and Stargate: Atlantis. Walker will serve as a reunion for Pileggi and Padalecki following Pileggi’s run as Samuel Cambell on Supernatural. Walker is in the creative hands of writer Anna Fricke (Dawson’s Creek) and producers Padalecki, Dan Lin, and Lindsey Liberatore. The CW is stocking the 2020-21 season with much-anticipated content, including the renewals of The Flash, Nancy Drew, Riverdale, and the new series Superman & Lois.
In an era of reboots and revivals, bringing an iconic series back to life could be a hit or miss. Walker, Texas Ranger was a staple of television viewing during its time, and the announcement of the reboot was met with mixed reactions. However, the casting choices of Padalecki, Morgan, Allen, and Pileggi has garnered further buzz and excitement. With the attached star power and altered plotlines, Walker has the potential to be a series with longevity and will no doubt be a winner for The CW.
Source: Deadline