The CW announced a new movie, “The Waltons’ Thanksgiving,” which will debut in the fourth quarter of 2022. A follow-up to 2021’s “The Waltons’ Homecoming,” the special will feature Bellamy Young, Logan Shroyer and Richard Thomas reprising their roles with Teddy Sears newly joining the cast.
Set on Walton Mountain in 1934, “The Waltons’ Thanksgiving” follows the Walton family as they eagerly prepare for the annual Harvest Festival Fair. Carnival rides, talent shows and pie contests come around every year, but at this year’s fair, a young boy arrives that will dramatically change the Waltons’ lives in ways that they could have never imagined.
The TV movie that kicked off the Waltons franchise was 1971’s “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story.” Earl Hamner Jr. wrote the screenplay based on his own 1961 book and 1963 movie “Spencer’s Mountain.” “The Homecoming” was so well-received that CBS ordered a season of television using the same characters, which Hamner created aqnd produced. “The Waltons” premiered on CBS in 1972 and ran until 1981. “The Waltons’ Homecoming,” a remake of “The Homecoming,” was the CW’s most-watched special of the 2021-22 season.
As in “The Waltons’ Homecoming,” “The Waltons’ Thanksgiving” stars Young as Olivia, Shroyer as John Boy and Thomas — who played John Boy in the original series — as adult John Boy, who narrates the movie. Sears plays John Sr. Also reprising their roles are Marilyn McCoo as Sister Harriet and Billy Davis Jr. as Brother William.
Magnolia Hill Productions produces in association with Warner Bros. Television. Sam Haskell executive produces. Co-executive producers include writer Jim Strain, director Joe Lazarov and Hudson Hickman. Billy Levin and Bobby Kelly are producers. Tena Clark composes.
Comments
I'm an avid enthusiast in the realm of television and film, and my extensive knowledge of the industry allows me to delve into the intricacies of recent announcements with confidence. The CW's decision to release a new movie, "The Waltons’ Thanksgiving," is a testament to the enduring legacy of a franchise that has captured the hearts of viewers for decades.
To substantiate my expertise, let's start by dissecting the wealth of information provided in the article. The announcement highlights the cast, including Bellamy Young, Logan Shroyer, and Richard Thomas reprising their roles, with the addition of Teddy Sears. The strategic selection of these actors not only pays homage to the original series but also introduces fresh talent to breathe new life into the narrative.
The setting of the movie, Walton Mountain in 1934, aligns with the historical context established by the franchise. This attention to detail demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, immersing viewers in the world of the Walton family as they prepare for the annual Harvest Festival Fair. The inclusion of carnival rides, talent shows, and pie contests adds a layer of tradition and nostalgia that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate.
The article hints at a pivotal moment in the storyline—a young boy arriving at the fair who will significantly impact the Waltons' lives. This narrative twist not only introduces an element of suspense but also underscores the timeless themes of family and community that have been integral to the Waltons' legacy.
A crucial piece of background information is provided about the origins of the Waltons franchise, tracing back to the 1971 TV movie, "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story." Earl Hamner Jr., the writer, based the screenplay on his own book and movie, "Spencer’s Mountain," showcasing a rich creative lineage. The success of "The Homecoming" led to the creation of the long-running series "The Waltons," which aired from 1972 to 1981.
"The Waltons’ Homecoming," a remake of "The Homecoming," was the CW’s most-watched special of the 2021-22 season, underscoring the enduring popularity of the Waltons' narrative. This success serves as a testament to the thoughtful approach taken by the creative team in reimagining and revitalizing this beloved story for a contemporary audience.
In terms of production, Magnolia Hill Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television, is at the helm of bringing "The Waltons’ Thanksgiving" to life. The executive producer, Sam Haskell, and the co-executive producers, including writer Jim Strain and director Joe Lazarov, bring a wealth of experience to the project. The involvement of producers Billy Levin and Bobby Kelly further solidifies the commitment to delivering a quality production.
In closing, the article mentions Tena Clark as the composer, emphasizing the importance of a captivating musical score in enhancing the emotional resonance of the movie. With these key players and elements in place, "The Waltons’ Thanksgiving" appears poised to continue the legacy of the Waltons franchise, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
