APPLETON, Wis. — David Boreanaz, best known for his roles in Bones and SEAL Team, has received a heartfelt endorsement from the daughter of the late James Garner as he steps into the iconic role of Jim Rockford in an upcoming reboot of the classic detective series The Rockford Files.
Gigi Garner, daughter of the original star James Garner, shared her enthusiastic support on X (formerly Twitter) after Boreanaz personally reached out to her about the project. In a post dated February 12, 2026, Gigi wrote, “So, I recently got a call from David Boreanaz. He was kind enough to share that he was offered the series & thinking about it. He wanted to know how I felt about the reboot, etc… If anybody can do it, HE CAN! I'm 💯 on board! It is going to be great! #PureClass #Jimbo.” The message included a link to coverage from Deadline, highlighting Boreanaz's respectful approach to honoring her father's legacy.
The reboot, ordered as a pilot by NBC, aims to revive the beloved 1970s series that ran from 1974 to 1980 on the network. James Garner portrayed the laid-back private investigator Jim Rockford, a con artist turned detective who operated out of a trailer on the beach in Malibu, solving cases with a mix of street smarts and sarcasm. The original show earned Garner three Emmy nominations and became a cultural touchstone for its blend of humor, action, and character-driven storytelling.
According to Deadline, Boreanaz was cast as the lead in the pilot, which is written by Mike Daniels, known for his work on The Expanse and Friday Night Lights. The story follows Rockford, played by Boreanaz, as a newly paroled man who served time for a crime he didn't commit. Returning to Los Angeles, he resumes his life as a private investigator, relying on his charm and wit to navigate cases while clashing with local police and organized crime. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a strong moral core, producers say, echoing the essence of Garner's portrayal.
Producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, who have credits including Justified and Yellowstone, are spearheading the project alongside Universal Television. The pilot is set to shoot primarily in Atlanta, with additional filming in Los Angeles to capture the story's West Coast vibe. Should the pilot be greenlit for a full series, production location remains undecided, though the team may apply for California's film tax credit to potentially base operations there.
Gigi Garner's blessing carries significant weight given her close connection to the original series. James Garner not only starred in the TV run but also reprised the role in eight made-for-TV movies on CBS from 1994 to 1999, the last of which aired just months before his death. Garner passed away on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86 in his Los Angeles home from a heart attack brought on by coronary artery disease. His daughter has been vocal about preserving her father's legacy, often sharing memories and supporting projects that pay tribute to his work.
“If anybody can do it, HE CAN! I'm 💯 on board! It is going to be great!” Gigi Garner posted on X, emphasizing her full support for Boreanaz in the role.
Boreanaz, 57, brings a wealth of experience to the character, having played tough, charismatic leads throughout his career. His outreach to Gigi Garner underscores a commitment to authenticity in reviving a property that's been dormant for decades. Deadline reported that the actor specifically sought her input before committing, a gesture that Gigi described as “pure class.”
The original Rockford Files was groundbreaking for its time, featuring Rockford's answering machine messages as a narrative device and showcasing diverse guest stars like Linda Evans and James Woods. It won 14 Emmy Awards during its run and remains syndicated worldwide. Garner's performance was praised for its everyman appeal, making Rockford relatable despite his unconventional methods.
NBC's decision to pursue a traditional pilot season marks a potential shift for the network, which has leaned toward straight-to-series orders in recent years. The reboot comes amid a wave of classic TV revivals, including recent successes like Matlock on CBS and MacGyver on CBS. Executives at NBC have not commented publicly on the project's status beyond the pilot order, but sources indicate optimism about updating the series for modern audiences while retaining its core charm.
Filming in Atlanta aligns with the city's growing role as a production hub, thanks to generous tax incentives from Georgia. The state hosted shoots for shows like The Walking Dead and Stranger Things, and its infrastructure could support a full season if the pilot succeeds. Los Angeles scenes will likely emphasize the gritty, sun-soaked underbelly of the city, central to Rockford's world.
James Garner's influence extends beyond The Rockford Files; he was a versatile actor with over 50 films to his name, including The Great Escape and Murphy's Romance, for which he won an Oscar nomination. His daughter Gigi has worked in entertainment herself, producing documentaries about her father and advocating for his induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, which occurred posthumously in 2015.
While Gigi Garner is fully supportive, no other family members or estate representatives have publicly weighed in on the reboot. Boreanaz has yet to comment directly on the casting, though his representatives confirmed the pilot order to Deadline. Fans online have reacted positively, with many echoing Gigi's sentiment that Boreanaz captures the right mix of toughness and humor for Rockford.
The project's success could hinge on balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Daniels' script reportedly modernizes elements like technology and social issues without altering the character's fundamental appeal. If picked up, the series might air as part of NBC's 2026-2027 lineup, potentially filling a slot for procedural dramas amid competition from streaming services.
As Hollywood continues to mine its past for new content, revivals like this one highlight the enduring popularity of character-driven mysteries. With Boreanaz at the helm and Garner's blessing, The Rockford Files reboot positions itself as a respectful nod to a television legend, poised to introduce Jim Rockford to a new generation while delighting longtime fans.
Production timelines suggest the pilot could wrap by late spring 2026, with network decisions expected by summer. For now, the focus remains on crafting a story that honors the original's spirit, as evidenced by the personal touches like Boreanaz's call to Gigi Garner.