The 90’s sci-fi series Quantum Leap is getting a reboot at NBC. And now, we’ve got a better idea of what fans can expect from the upcoming series.
The original Quantum Leap followed physicist Sam Beckett as he time-hopped through various eras by “leaping” into the bodies of other people. The new series takes place in the same universe, following a new team assembled to restart the Quantum Leap project.
With casting currently underway for the NBC pilot, let’s take a look at the characters bringing this reboot to life.
Quantum Leap – Series Regulars
The following characters are described as series regulars and key players in the new Quantum Leap series.
Dr. Ben Prassad – Ben is a first-generation American, a world-renowned physicist, and a man of faith. He’s also working on Quantum Leap, a time travel project. But when he uses the project on himself, he’s transported back to the late 80s and struck with a bout of amnesia – forgetting what made him time travel in the first place.
The casting for Ben calls for a man in his mid 30s to early 40s, of AAPI or MENA descent.
Addison – Addison is a smart, witty, fearless ex-military operative who now serves as a project lead at Quantum Leap HQ. She’s in charge of the technology they use to communicate with the past, and tries to rescue Ben from his time-flung existence.
The open-ethnicity casting for Addison calls for a woman in her 30s.
Ian Wright – Quantum Leap’s nonbinary chief architect of the AI program, who prefers the company of computers to that of other people.
The open-ethnicity casting calls for a person in their 20s, and encourages non-binary actors to submit.
Herbert “Magic” Williams – A Vietnam vet and current head of the time travel project at Quantum Leap. Herbert “Magic” Williams uses his no-nonsense personality and aura of control to keep the Pentagon at bay while the team tries to rescue Ben.
The casting calls for a black man in his 60s.
Jenn – Head of security at Quantum Leap HQ. Described as quirky but formidable, she makes it her mission to figure out how Ben could have both leapt back in time and erased all evidence of the leap in the future.
Additional Guest Stars
In addition to the series regular roles, the show is also casting the following key guest stars:
Janis – A mysterious woman who was working with Ben in the present before his leap through time, whose true motives remain unknown. The role is described as a recurring guest spot, casting a white woman in her 40s.
Naomi – A wife attempting to ask her husband for a divorce. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize Ben currently occupies her husband’s body. The open-ethnicity casting calls for a woman in her late 30s.
More About Quantum Leap
It’s been 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now a new team has been assembled to restart the project in the hopes of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it. Embracing the iconic series’ signature blend of humor, heart, and history, this reboot expands upon the Quantum Leap universe, taking us on a thrilling journey across space and time, exploring the timeless notion of what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes, and the enduring value of changing lives for the better.
Production on the Quantum Leap pilot begins in Vancouver this March.
If this is legit, I’m intrigued by the character sheet, particularly the inclusion of Herbert “Magic” Williams.
Can I ask what your source is for this, please?
Why are we calling it a reboot when it’s obviously a sequel?
Who knows.Just hope it capture the spirit of the original,without the two main leads.Obviously,Dean Stockwell can not guest star.Maybe Scott Bakula can?
There’s no standard definition for the word reboot, at least in the television/movie industry – it is used interchangeably with “reset” and “restart” and “remake”.
If the producers can PROMISE at least some appearances by Scott Bakula as Sam, then I’ll give the show a chance. But without Sam, I have zero interest in the new show. I won’t even tune in “just to see.”
I will watch it,probably,just to see.Agreed,I would also like to see Scott Bakula as Sam,every now and then.Unfortunately,Dean Stockwell is no longer with us.Am sure,they will pay some sort of homage to him,in the reboot and they should.
Liked the idea I had heard of before where his son/daughter restarted to program to find him .. but I will watch it hopefully it will have the same magic
I was always hopeing there would be a movie with the original characters. I guess not now.
Nice to see that they’re tying the new series to the old one with the inclusion of “Magic”, who served with Sam Beckett’s brother Tom in Vietnam. They needed someone to take on the role of “Pentagon handler”, which had been part of Al’s role in the original, and it’s nice to see they came up with a way that links new to old.
Should’ve been with Sam’s daughter, Sammy Jo, doing the leaps trying to find her father.
GREAT idea! I totally agree!
I was hoping they would at least connect Sam to Ben possibly by then going back to Sam’s last location and upon returning due to an equipment malfunction sand is not able to return. This creates mystery and opens the way for a reoccurring role for Sam should he choose. Just any way to connect the old with the new so that the ones that watch the original series enjoy the sequel.