I heard this rumor myself a couple weeks ago and had no idea that the deal was this close to being drawn up, but it looks like it’s actually going to happen. According to TVGuide.com, Larry Hagman has confirmed that he’s on board with TNT’s new DALLAS remake.
At first things apparently weren’t going too well with the negotiations. Stories were flying that that TNT had failed to reach a financial agreement with the star to reprise his role of J. R. Ewing in an update of the 1978-91 primetime soap. Instead the studio was looking at going forward with an altered script that would write out the popular character. Both parties expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved and now I can say that a deal has been struck.
Says Hagman, who turns 80 this year:
“I haven’t signed any contract but I gave them my commitment verbally. I just told them I’d do it and my word’s good!”
The updated pilot was written by former Cane scribe Cynthia Cidre and reportedly finds Hagman’s alter-ego JR in a mental institution. The old patriarch is in a nearly catatonic state and hasn’t spoken a word in years.
Says Hagman about the startling plot development, vowing that JR won’t be there for long:
“Whatever they want is okay with me. Oh, I’ll get out and cause more trouble! That’s for sure!”
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