Deadline reports that Michaela McManus (Code Black, The 100) has been cast in a new iteration of The Rockford Files, the classic private-investigator series. The reboot, which brings renewed creative energy to the iconic franchise, has tapped Greg Mottola (Superbad, The Righteous Gemstones) to direct the pilot and serve as executive producer.
According to Deadline, the limited series reimagines the world of James Rockford, the private eye first portrayed by James Garner in the original The Rockford Files. The updated adaptation will modernize the procedural format while maintaining the character-driven tone that defined the original series. McManus will play a key role in the reboot, though specific character details were not disclosed.
Mottola’s involvement suggests an emphasis on tonal balance, blending grounded detective storytelling with layered character development. Known for navigating both comedy and drama, Mottola is expected to shape the series’ aesthetic while honoring the franchise’s legacy.
McManus joins the project at an early stage of development and will star opposite David Boreanaz (Bones, SEAL Team), who plays newly paroled James Rockford as he resumes work as a private investigator in Los Angeles after serving time for a crime he did not commit. McManus will play Kate, an East Hollywood detective whose past romantic relationship with Rockford becomes strained after he accuses fellow officers of framing him. Kate is a new character created for the reboot.
mxdwn previously reported on Boreanaz’s transition following the conclusion of SEAL Team, where he reflected on closing that chapter while remaining open to revisiting his role in Bones. That coverage highlighted his long-standing relationship with franchise television and his ability to sustain character longevity within procedural storytelling. His move to headline the reboot of The Rockford Files reinforces that trajectory.
The revival arrives amid a broader industry trend of reimagining established intellectual property for contemporary audiences. With Boreanaz leading and McManus joining the cast, the new Rockford Files aims to preserve the spirit of the original while introducing a refreshed interpretation for modern television viewers.