Scott Caan has become a breakout star by playing Detective Danny “Danno” Williams on Hawaii Five-0 — but the producers haven’t forgotten the memorable actor who first originated the role. Executive Producer Peter Lenkov told EW that it remains a goal to persuade James MacArthur (inset) — aka “Danno” on the series that first aired from 1968 to 1980 — to make a cameo on the CBS drama.
“We’ve been talking to James about being on the show but he just doesn’t know because he’s busy with a business he’s launching,” said Lenkov. “But we’d love to have him.” Lenkov has also set his sights on Al Harrington, who played Det. Ben Kokua on the original series from 1969 to 1975. (Both he and MacArthur are now in their 70s.) “It still feels early in the season,” the producer said. “We have time.” Those are pretty confident words from a guy who has yet to learn whether the drama will receive a back nine order from CBS (the network only picked up 13 episodes of 5-0 before the 2010-11 season began). But it would be a shocker if CBS didn’t go with a full season of Hawaii Five-0, which, at 13.02 million, is currently the most-watched new show.
Speaking of highly anticipated characters, Lenkov also confirmed that Masi Oka (Heroes) will show up in episode four as a coroner named Max Bergman; he’ll appear in at least three episodes this season.
As someone who enjoyed the original series, I’d love to see an appearance by either James MacArthur or Al Harrington.
I agree Shell, I was also someone who missed very few episodes of the original series. I watched it faithfully and I would love to see James MacArthur and Al Harrington make a guest appearance as well…
I admit to having a crush on Danno in my early teenage years.
It’s too bad Jack Lord isnt alive anymore cause it would’ve been awesome to see him on this.
Why is there an apostrophe before 70s? Ah, because both actors are living in their own respective 1970s, I get it now.
What they need is a cameo or full-on episode featuring one Thomas Magnum. Hell, Selleck’s already on the CBS payroll. Have Magnum and T.C. playing cards at Rick’s Place.
If there was ever going to be a Magnum cameo, it should be on “NCIS,” as Magnum rejoined the Navy in the final episode. But sadly, Tom Selleck has always held out for a “Magnum” movie if he was going to return to the character…
We were joking about them running into Higgins.
It would be awesome if Mr. MacArthur played Danny’s namesake grandpa. *g*
Grandpa? He’s young enough to play his father.
I’ve seen many of the original series’ episodes and it would be a great letdown if he didn;t make an appearence. I can only say,it had better be as Danno and not anything else. Jack Lord missed an opportunity to guest on Magnum PI (also set in Hawaii) as McGarret,so James should definetley appear as his original character.
An appearance with Thomas Magnum would be great! MaGarrett could enlist an old Navy Seal such as Magnum to help him solve a case. Maybe get a back story with the both of them somehow??
I despise those kind of cheap casting stunts. I like the new version just fine.
I had the biggest crush on James McArthur when Disney began playing Swiss Family Robinson on television. It would be great to see him on the new show. Please make it happen and give him a recurring role!
I wore out my tape of Swiss Family Robinson. I knew Tommy Kirk moved onto Disney movies, but I always wondered what the other brother ended up doing. I’m glad he had a long TV career.
This is one of the best new shows! I’m really loving it and the theme song is sweet!
Agree!
GREAT remake! Just great, all thats needed is some cool music like Miami Vice used to do.
Thanks for Five O’s return!
My big question: When will Wo Fat be introduced?
He was one of the original bad asses..
Little known fact that’s been forgotten here is that MacArthur didn’t originate the role — it was played in the pilot by Tim O’Kelley. The role was recast for the series, MacArthur went onto pop culture stardom and O’Kelley went into pop culture oblivion. All nitpicking aside, Caan’s doing a great job and it would be cool to see MacArthur pop up in the remake.
Sounds like a fabuous asuugt for you Im looking forward to our 2 year anniversary!! We are going to vegas for a few days to celebrate, which is awesome cause my hubby NEVER takes time off work Kat recently posted..
It would be nice to have James McArthur on the show!
A correction though: I might have missed it but “Scott Caan has become a breakout star”? When was that? Let’s not jump into conclusions, here….
I didn’t watch the original series, so I can’t comment on the article, but I have to say I’m enjoying this show. I wasn’t sure after the first week, but it’s really grown on me. I don’t know how the ratings have been, but I hope it sticks around. I was only familiar with Daniel Dae Kim as far as the actors, but Alex, Scott and Grace are just as watchable and the chemistry between all four works for me.