First reaction to the idea of Universal recycling James Garner’s series The Rockford Files is not good. Do we really need to re-do ANOTHER old TV series? Garner was so perfect as the relaxed private eye fallen on hard times who lived in a mobile home in Malibu. A great character. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. But Universal’s not so dumb. According to Deadline.com they’ve got Vince Vaughn to play Rockford – and that changes everything. Rockford was charming and able to talk his way out of trouble, much like Vaughn. Suddenly we’re looking forward to this!
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I say….YES….YES….YES
Bring back The Rockford!
VV is perfect. I still watch(when I can’t sleep) the old Rockford Files that are currently on at 3am. This was one of my favorite characters growing up.
I loved the old Rockford Files too. James Garner had a fun attitude and the old guy that played his dad was a hoot.
I don’t know about Vaughn though. He’s a strange one. What’s the deal with him? He suddenly pops up with a baby and wife after Owen Wilson pops up with a baby. It was almost like they got them buy 1 get one free. No one ever sees them with these women. What’s the deal? Are they just private? Are they big drunks that screw around without protection and knock up people? Is it true Owen has two kids this way?
Nobody can match James Garner, especially this big, hulking, homely nitwit.
Vince Vaughn is no James Garner, who was such a cutie. I love his old movies.
a good bet: AMERICANS ARE USED TO LIVE IN MOBIL HOMES & TRAVEL TRAILERS DUE TO BANKRUPTCY PROBLEMS!!
As mentioned, James Garner had a layed back attitude and style that would be hard to recreate, The other negative on recreating these old shows and movies is the lack of character actors available. Rockford had his dad and he helped make the show.
Let them be and find something else for Vince.
For me, the image of James Garner as Rockford is indelible. I’m not interested at all in a remake with someone else.
James is one of a kind. The show had great acting and great writing. Why do “they” keep screwing with classics, trying to recapture the magic? And Vince Vaughn, total clown shoes.
Ick. Garner was perfect in the role. No one can take his place.
Never! James Garner WAS Rockford and always will be. Vince Vaughn? Not even close.
As mentioned, James Garner had a layed back attitude and style that would be hard to recreate, The other negative on recreating these old shows and movies is the lack of character actors available. Rockford had his dad and he helped make the show.
Vince Vaughn as Jim Rockford? Forget about it- there’s only one Jim Rockford and that’s James Garner, Tom Selleck made that very clear to NBC, back in 2010. Universal needs to just terminate any chance of making into a feature film TV shows that were perfectly done. In the case of The Rockford Files, that means James Garner and co-creator, the late great Stephen J. Cannell. Since Tom Selleck was Garner’s protege, prior to Magnum, P.I., I don’t think Tom would be remotely interrested in taking part in this, out of respect for both Garner and Cannell. Tom has already made it clear, without both Garner and Cannell, this film isn’t going anywhere and it really shouldn’t be touched. Vince Vaughn is a good actor, but Universal needs to lay off turning Rockford into a feature film.
Recreating all those characters we love to watch is impossible. I’d rather see Vaugn play Rockford’s nephew or long lost son in current times in a remake. Same family characteristics and humor without trying to be the one and only James Garner/Jim Rockford.