ABC’s reboot of the beloved 1980s maturing sitcom, “The Wonder Years”, found an actor for his lead role.
Elisha “EJ” Williams – who appeared on several children’s TV shows, including “Henry Danger” and “3… 2… Wonder!” and as a voice actor in the Disney Junior cartoon “Puppy Dog Pals” – he will star as a preteen Dean in the remake of the classic dramatic comedy.
“We put you in this Zoom because we wanted to welcome you to the family and say that it is your turn to be the star of ‘The Wonder Years'”, said Fred Savage – who originally played Kevin, now renamed Dean – during a video call with Williams. “It’s your part, man; welcome, ”added Savage, 44, who is directing the remake pilot, as well as serving as an executive producer.
“Welcome aboard, man; I couldn’t be happier, ”said executive producer Saladin K. Patterson, who is also writing the half-hour series.
Dean is a curious and hopeful 12-year-old boy who is coming of age in a turbulent time. It’s 1968 in Montgomery, Alabama – and Dean is trying to find his place within his Black family and in the world at large, ”says ABC’s description of the character, according to the Wrap. “Although a little unsure, a little awkward and a little embarrassed, he is determined to make his mark on the world around him.”
The reboot, whose development was first announced in July, is employing the creator of the original program, Neal Marlens, as a consultant, Variety said.
“Wonder Years” aired on ABC for six seasons and more than 100 episodes from 1988 to 1993. The adult version of the main character was voiced by Daniel Stern, who reflected on his childhood in the 1960s and 1970s. The show won four Emmys , a Golden Globe, a Peabody Award and several Humanitas awards during the course of its exhibition. The series also co-starred Dan Lauria as Kevin’s father, Jack; Alley Mills as his mother, Norma; Olivia d’Abo as her older sister, Karen; Jason Hervey as Kevin’s older brother Wayne; Danica McKellar as Kevin’s first love, Winnie Cooper; and Josh Saviano as Kevin’s best idiot friend, Paul Pfeiffer.