If you haven't heard, The Waltons is making a comeback in a new TV movie this month. It's called The Waltons' Homecoming and it premieres on The CW on Nov. 28.
The film is a remake of the original 1971 "Waltons" movie The Homecoming: A Christmas Story. Just one original Waltons star is involved with the reboot, and that's "John-Boy" actor Richard Thomas, who narrates the new film.
Richard Thomas on the new Waltons reboot movie
Thomas, 70, just opened up about the reboot and his feelings on bringing The Waltons back in 2021 — 40 years after it went off the air.
He believes that the social climate that made the series work in the 1970s still exists today, and that we need entertainment that unites people.
"When we did the series originally, this country, we were very split because of all the issues going on," Thomas said at a recent media event, per Deadline. "One of the great things about the show was that it brought people together."
He continued: "Young people could see a story about older people, and older people could remember their childhood."
Thomas added that "faith" was always key to stories on The Waltons and "it still is around the country" now. He explained:
"John had one point of view about going to church, which you didn't do. Olivia had another [point of view]. Grandpa was a pantheist, basically... Everyone had a different connection to it. So I think it's completely valid still."
He played the iconic "John Boy"!
The Waltons' Homecoming reboot movie in 2021
Thomas, the original "John-Boy," will appear on-screen in the reboot movie this month. He'll also narrate, while This Is Us actor Logan Shroyer takes over as the eldest "Walton" child.
The Waltons' Homecoming is a true remake of the 1971 Waltons TV movie. It even keeps the story set in 1933 about "John Sr." trying to make it home for Christmas in a nasty snowstorm.
Watch for The Waltons' Homecoming on The CW on Nov. 28, and hopefully on streaming and digital services soon after.
You can also click here to see a photo of the new Waltons movie cast.
The end of a legend!
The classic '70s series
