Netflix just announced the reboot of “Little House on the Prairie,” and a “When Calls the Heart” producer has already shared a reaction to the news with Hallmark viewers. The social media post was made because of the close connection between “When Calls the Heart” and “Little House on the Prairie.” Michael Landon co-created and starred in “Little House on the Prairie” and his son, Michael Landon, Jr., is an executive producer for “When Calls the Heart.”
Brian Bird Told ‘Nervous’ Fans: ‘I Have 2 Comforts for You’
Brian Bird, executive director of “When Calls the Heart,” shared a message to “nervous” fans on social media about the reboot news.
He wrote: “For all of you Little House on the Prairie fans nervous about Netflix’ reboot of your beloved show… I have two comforts for you: First, Michael Landon’s son, Michael Landon Jr., and I created a show that will never be ‘reimagined.’ It’s called When Calls the Heart, and it is now airing Season 12. And second, the Melissa Gilbert (aka Laura Ingalls Wilder in the original LHOP) is guest-starring in Season 12 of When Calls the Heart! So… Fear not!”
One fan replied, “I love WCTH but not all reboots are bad. The current reboot of All Creatures Great and Small is fantastic. The original Little House is 50 years old. I look forward to seeing a new and perhaps different look at the classic stories.”
On X, another fan had a different take, writing: “After what Netflix did to Anne Shirley, my heart breaks at the thought of what they could do to Laura Ingalls, my daughter’s namesake. I’m more grateful than ever to @MLandonjr for #WhenCallstheHeart and Love Comes Softly.”
In fact, quite a few people agreed with Bird and added that they were looking forward to seeing Gilbert on the show. One person wrote, “#LHOP was a childhood favorite… and #WhenCallsTheHeart is my current favorite! Looking forward to meeting Melissa Gilbert’s character soon! #Hearties #WCTH.”
The news about Gilbert joining the cast of “When Calls the Heart” was announced during the 2024 Hearties Family Reunion. According to a press release sent to EntertainmentNOW, Melissa Gilbert is going to star in a special two-episode arc. She’ll play the role of Georgie McGill, a character who shares a “surprising past” with one of the residents of Hope Valley.
During her panel interview at the Hearties reunion event, Gilbert hinted about her character’s role.
“The majority of my scenes are with Jack,” she said, referring to Jack Wagner who stars as Bill in the series.
A Producer for ‘The Vampire Diaries’ & ‘The Boys’ Will Be Leading the New ‘Little House on the Prairie’
Rebecca Sonnenshine, who was a supervising producer for “The Vampire Diaries” and is executive producer for “The Boys” will be the showrunner for the “Little House on the Prairie” reboot, Variety reported.
Sonnenshine said the original books inspired her to become a writer and filmmaker, Variety reported.
Executive producers will also include Joy Gorman Wettels, Trip Friendly, Dana Fox and Susanna Fogel. The series is being produced by Anonymous Content and CBS Studios. Trip Friendly has a connection to the original series: his dad, Ed Friendly, executive produced the original series, Variety shared.
The new series’ logline reads: “Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical ‘Little House’ books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.”
Jinny Howe, vice president of drama series for Netflix, said in a statement to Variety: “Little House on the Prairie has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fans around the world, and we’re excited to share its enduring themes of hope and optimism with a fresh take on this iconic story. Rebecca’s vision threads the needle with an emotional depth that will delight both new and existing fans of this beloved classic.”
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WCTH Exec Reacts to ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Reboot: ‘Fear Not!’