# Recast An Old Sitcom (Any Character) With A 'Modern' Actor - Reuse of Character or Actor Allowed **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 28, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205 "2015-03-28T14:45:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/1 "2015-03-28T14:45:49Z")
This particular category is going like gangbusters over in the Thread Game room, so I’m starting it over here for your casting couch ideas. So far we have the following: Hugh Jackman as Colonel Hogan; Hogan’s Heroes Ben Stiller as Wilbur Post; Mister Ed Amy Adams as Samantha Stevens; Bewitched Drew Barrymore as Ann Marie; That Girl Johnny Galecki as Frank Burns, M_A_S\*H Jim Parsons as Barney Fife, The Andy Griffith Show Marty Feldman as Barney Fife; The Andy Griffith Show Simon Helberg as Larry Dallas, Three’s Company Lewis Black as Alan Brady, The Dick Van Dyke Show Kristen Bell as Samantha (and Sarina); Bewitched ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/2 "2015-03-28T14:55:00Z")
Expanding on Kristin Bell as Samantha, Jimmy Fallon as Darren Stevens John Larroquette as Larry Tate Amy Poehler as Gladys Kravits Debra Messing as Endora ---
**Author:** ![tripthicket](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripthicket/32/297_2.png) [@tripthicket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tripthicket)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/3 "2015-03-28T16:02:13Z")
Gilligan’s Island Gilligan: Jay Baruchel Skipper: Kevin James Professor: Scott Patterson Ginger: Megan Fox Mary Ann: Jewel Staite Thurston Howell III: Sam Anderson Mrs. Lovey Howell: Christine Baranski ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/4 "2015-03-28T16:05:12Z")
Not sure if Marty Feldman can be considered a modern actor. He has been dead for over 30 yrs. Simon Helberg as Uncle Arthur or Ed Norton Jane Lynch as Endora or Alice Kramdon Lea Michelle as Anne Marie Kaley Cuoco as Jeannie ---
**Author:** ![Jalola298](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Jalola298](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jalola298)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/5 "2015-03-29T02:57:10Z")
**For Bewitched, I’d use** John Slattery - Larry Tate Alison Janney - Endora Jon Hamm - Darrin #1 Emma Stone - Samantha Melissa McCarthy - Gladys Kravitz How about **Get Smart?** John Krasinski - Maxwell Smart Jennifer Garner - Agent 99 Mitch Peleggi - The Chief John Barrowman - Hymie ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/6 "2015-03-29T11:41:05Z")
Building on Kaley Cuoco as Jeannie Paul Rudd as Tony Nelson Steve Carrell as Roger Healey Will Farrell as Dr. Bellows Amy Poehler as Amanda Bellows Dennis Farina as Gen. Peterson Jane Curtin as Mrs Peterson ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/7 "2015-03-29T13:56:43Z")
Quentin Tarintino as Darren Stevens in _Bewitched_. Happy Belated Birthday, QT! ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/8 "2015-03-29T14:25:20Z")
I only get one character out of each show before I grind to a halt… All in the Family John Goodman as Archie The Bob Newhart Show Clark Gregg as Bob The Honeymooners Patton Oswalt as Ralph Kramden ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/9 "2015-03-29T14:56:26Z")
James Earl Jones as George Jefferson and Morgan Freeman as Cliff Huxtable. R Lee Ermey as Sergeant Vince Carter. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/10 "2015-03-29T15:08:08Z")
I would like to see Billy Bob Thornton in the role of Bad Andy Griffith. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/11 "2015-03-29T15:26:25Z")
I saw a dream sequence on King of Queens with Kevin James playing Ralph Kramden. I thought for a minute it was a real clip with Jackie Gleason. In fact the whole sequence with Leah Remini and Victor Williams (Deacon) as Norton was pretty darned good… There should be an updated Honeymooners show! ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/12 "2015-03-29T15:29:33Z")
10-15 years ago, Debra Messing would have been a PERFECT Lucy Ricardo. She’s matured now, just enough, to no longer be a contender ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/13 "2015-03-29T15:51:21Z")
I betcha Jennifer Lawrence could manage it. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/14 "2015-03-29T15:51:54Z")
How about some potential actors/actresses for the Beverly Hillbillies? I think Rondi Reed (Mike’s Mother from Mike and Molly) or Holland Taylor would make a good Granny. Kate Micucci (Lucy from Big Bang Theory) as Miss Jane. Heather Morris (Brittany from Glee) as Elly Mae. Angus Jones (Jake from Two and half Men) as Jethro Conchata Ferrell as Mrs Drysdale ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/15 "2015-03-29T15:53:08Z")
ooooh! Holland Taylor as Endora! Perfect ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/16 "2015-03-29T16:10:23Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > ooooh! Holland Taylor as Endora! Perfect And Melanie Lynksy (Rose) as Stalker Mrs Kratvitz ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/17 "2015-03-29T16:23:39Z")
> [@Spoke](#): > > I would like to see Billy Bob Thornton in the role of Bad Andy Griffith. If you haven’t already, you must see [Daddy and Them (2001)](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166158/?ref_=nv_sr_1) Netflix has it available for streaming. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/18 "2015-03-29T17:33:35Z")
> [@Zeldar](#): > > If you haven’t already, you must see [Daddy and Them (2001)](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166158/?ref_=nv_sr_1) > > Netflix has it available for streaming. I have seen that. Pretty good. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2015, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/19 "2015-03-29T18:07:06Z")
I’m going to suggest Paget Brewster for Endora. She’s really young-looking for hear age, but she’s a very surprising 47, and so she’s not too young for the part, and she’s very, very funny. People who have seen her only on _Criminal Minds_ should look up _The Trouble with Normal_ or _Andy Richter Controls the Universe_ on Youtube, and see how funny she is. Also, Endora is all about the make-up and costumes. Agnes Moorehead played a lot of very dowdy characters, from the farm woman on the _Twilight Zone_ episode, to matrons of women’s prisons who were all tweed and gloves, and had demonstrated range, but had never done a part remotely like Endora, and yet she knocked it out of the park. Of course, if we were talking 20 years ago, Brewster could do Samantha. She can’t be just a pretty blonde-- she has to carry the show. I’m really not sure who I’d suggest for Samantha now. Jim Parsons for Darren. Did anyone else see the small part he played at the end of _Judging Amy_? he was great in that, and it was an un-Sheldon-like part. He wore suits, and looks really natural in them-- he can definitely pull off the 9-5er look. That almost makes me want to suggest William Shatner for Larry Tate, but that’d be too distracting. Would it be too far out to suggest making the Larry Tate character a woman? How about S. Epatha Merkerson? We know she can play an authority figure, and I’ve seen her be funny in other contexts. I’d like to see Ellen DeGeneres as Gladys Kravitz, but that’s probably too much of a step down for her. If she’d do it, though, then maybe as an in-joke, Arye Gross could play Abner Kravitz. Thomas Lennon for Dr. Bombay. The only problem is, I’m not so sure how topical a revival of _Bewitched_ would be. People want their magical shows a little darker now, and you can hardly make the show without references to their sex life. What’s it like for Darren to be incredibly sexually potent as soon as he gets home from work? Not to mention, there wasn’t just a movie out called _Bell, Book and Candle_ to inspire it. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2015, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205/20 "2015-03-30T05:46:48Z")
Skipper: Nathan Fillion Gilligan: Adam Baldwin Ginger: Morena Baccarin Mary Ann: Jewel Staite Thurston Howell III: Alan Tudyk Mrs. Howell: Gina Torres Professor: Ron Glass Update the concept by making it set in space and throw in a couple more passengers like Sean Maher and Summer Glau. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recast-an-old-sitcom-any-character-with-a-modern-actor-reuse-of-character-or-actor-allowed/716205.md?page=2)