‘The Waltons’ Homecoming’: See the New & Original John Boy Together (PHOTOS)
Can you believe it’s the 50th anniversary of The Homecoming: A Christmas Story TV movie (December 19, 1971) that launched The Waltons? To honor the occasion, the CW has a remake, The Waltons’ Homecoming, airing Thanksgiving weekend, and we have a sneak peek at the festive fun below.
The Waltons’ Homecoming is set in the 1933 Depression Era, told through the eyes of 17-year-old John Boy (This Is Us star Logan Shroyer), the eldest child of John (Ben Lawson) and Olivia (Bellamy Young). Olivia expects him to help raise his siblings, while John wants him to follow in his footsteps to support the family. John Boy, however, wants to be a writer. As hard as times are in 1933, they may not even get to celebrate Christmas as a family, with John Sr.’s presence uncertain: His plans to make it home are threatened by a storm. Olivia sends John Boy out into the night to find his missing father, taking him on a journey that will change his life forever.
Richard Thomas, who played John Boy in the original series (1972-81 on CBS) narrates the movie. Scroll down to see Thomas behind the scenes with the new John Boy, as well as the director, Lev L. Spiro, and other photos from the film.
The Waltons’ Homecoming is produced by Magnolia Hill Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producer Sam Haskell, writer/co-executive producer Jim Strain, co-executive producers Hudson Hickman, producer Billy Levin, and co-producer Bobby Kelly. Tena Clark is the composer. The original series was created by Earl Hamner.
The Waltons’ Homecoming, Movie Premiere, Sunday, November 28, 8/7c, The CW
Grandpa Walton (Alpha Trivette) and John Boy (Logan Shroyer)
John Boy
Mary Ellen (Marcelle LeBlanc), John Boy, Jason (Christian Finlayson), Erin (Tatum Sue Matthews), and Elizabeth (Callaway Corrick)
Olivia (Bellamy Young)
Richard Thomas, Director Lev L. Spiro, and Logan Shroyer
Richard Thomas
Logan Shroyer
Marcelle LeBlanc
Christian Finlayson
Tatum Sue Matthews
Samuel Goergen
Callaway Corrick
Michael Kendall Kaplan
Alpha Trivette
Rebecca Koon
Jacinte Blankenship
Arianna Rosario
Marilyn McCoo
Billy Davis
Richard Thomas
Ben Lawson
Bellamy Young
Keith Arthur Bolden
Charles Green
Michael MacCauley
Adam Boyer
Glenn Magee
Annie Cook
Susan Savoie
⨁Full Cast & Crew
Conversation58 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
G
Why not make a modern movie. Bring back as many of the original cast as possible. Incorporate memories of the ones that have passed. Make it a true Walton Homecoming.
-
O
Do you mean in modern day 2021 because that would make the characters in their 80's & 90's. Not sure how interesting that movie would be to be honest...
-
G
I would assume that you are more than welcome to produce an episode like that when you write the story, fund the episode and produce it. Look forward to seeing your block buster in the near future.
-
G
It wouldn’t be the same and probably would not resonate with younger generations
-
-
O
I'm sorry, but there are some classics that you just don't mess with, this is one of them! I don't think you will be able to catch the innocence and "realness" that the original "Homecoming" portrays. I wish TV executives would STOP trying to remake beloved shows and movies, some things are just better left alone!
-
B
I wont be watching the new version as the one I remember will always stay with me and continue to watch the best original one. John boy will never be replaced.
-
B
Actually John boy (Richard Thomas WAS replaced in the original Walton's......
Buti don't think I'll watch this remake either.
-
-
R
Why mess with a great movie. The original homecoming movie is the best. If the CW is going to show the Homecoming Movie, put the original. I won't be watching the new version.
-
B
I wonder if the new movie might make the younger generation curious enough to watch the original series.
-
-
P
Lets be clear. This is not a remake of the series. It's a remake of the original film the series was based on. The original film had a different mother (Patricia Neal), father (Andrew Duggan), grandfather (Edgar Bergen), Ike Godsey (Woodrow Parfrey) and Charlie Snead (William Windom) than the series. I own the film on DVD and watch it once a year. It's the only Walton's story filmed on location with real snow.
-
C
There was a movie that was put out in theaters. Starred Henry Fonda and Maureen OHara. Loosely based on Earl Hamners writing. It is called Spencer's Mountain.
-
C
I remember that movie very well
-
-
C
It was done in Wyoming not Virginia.
-
-
B
Don’t like it there is only one family for the Waltons one John boy
-
J
I'm surprised (pleasantly so) and impressed that the CW is airing something that doesn't feature teen characters running around indulging in adult behaviors (like most every other show on the network). I have no opinion on this movie otherwise... except maybe it can educate some teens about how things were during the depression. I'm quite sure young people today can't envision how poor many people were.
-
R
So very true. I’m so sick of these shows and movies that portray the children as “leaders “ of the house. Kids should be kids. And they should not be making family decisions
-
-
G
Don't mess with the Waltons!!!! No one could ever replace them...especially John Boy. I have no desire to watch the new movie
-
O
Good grief, I’m amazed (but not terribly surprised) by all the responses stomping their feet and throwing tantrums about not wanting to watch it because they liked the original. Why not reserve judgment and just watch it to see how it goes? THEN compare them, side by side. If your love of the story is strong enough, it should be able to withstand a little creative experimentation with a retelling. A fresh spin for new generations? Nothing horribly wrong with that, is there? Kind of good, actually, that a new generation is seeing the story as WORTHY of telling from its own perspective!
Maybe you’ll find reasons to like or love BOTH versions. It could happen! But you won’t know if you don’t give it a chance.
As for those who want to see new creations of a continuation of the lives of the siblings and their families, with the original actors… You do realize, don’t you, that none of those people are actors anymore? A movie like that WAS created years ago, and my memory is that it left a lot to be desired. It felt VERY forced and quite corny. The acting was amateurish. They were wonderful as kids, but they didn’t build acting careers as adults. (Well, except for Richard Thomas, and his career didn’t go terribly far.) I am really looking forward to seeing what new fresh young (and older) actors can bring to this heartwarming story. If it’s a story worth telling (and it is), then it’s a story worth telling with modern production values. Just like all the stories we know and love.
-
P
Everybody has a right to their opinion. Stop trying to tell people how to feel and what to think.
-
O
LOL..... just keeping an open mind!
-
-
-
O
the fact that one of the characters ( BEN ) not in the movie isnt promising to the generations that watched this original movie and series, it might be ok, not sure, and if its a "woke/pc/diverse/inclusive/etc" story count me out
-
P
Is there no Ben or Jim Bob?
-
G
If you were actually a fan of the original series, you would realize that it was already "diverse" and "inclusive", and, I guess if you must use the term, it was "woke" at times. I mean, they aren't going to have any Black Walton children or anything like that, but there are going to be Black characters just like the original. If you recall the original movie "The Homecoming" off of which this movie is directly based more than the series, Ben had an extremely minor role, and was treated more as a prop than a real child. The producers decided to leave him out to save money, but said if this movie becomes a series like the original did (it likely will if the movie draws a large enough crowd), Ben will be written back in, and will be explained as having been visiting Aunt Rose or something.
-
-
O
Why not make a Walton's Homecoming 2 with the original actors, taking place in the 1970's? That would be more interesting than trying a redo.
-
G
The original movie took place 40 year earlier, so the timeline would now be in the early 1980s. And if you consider that the last movie, “ A Walton Easter” in 1997 took place in 1969, then a new movie could even take place in the early 1990s.
-
-
P
I hope they don't go woke...
-
O
I hate to break it to you but the original series covered a lot of current issues that some in this country want to bury. So, the original series WAS “woke”.
-
G
The original movie and series were alert to injustice in society, especially racism.
-
-
G
Many of us grew up with the Waltons as part of our family. Nothing can replace the original show. The concept and memories can be brought back to take us back to our years of growing up with the show. I welcome the peace and love we once all shared for an hour or so.
-
R
I like the original Walton's
-
O
Okay…..
-
-
O
I think that we all could use some wholesome theme shows on tv now a days. I wish them great success. Boo to you negative Annie’s out there.
-
C
I think it’s great to have new generations see how the depression was.
-
G
My take on this is how would the man who created the movie react? Would Earl Hamner have been as strongly against there being a new take on "The Waltons" as some of you seem to be? I think he would have been honored and proud that a story he wrote was not only worthy of becoming a movie and TV series, but that it was good enough to be re-imagined 50 years later, and that there is to be a new movie and possibly a new series derivative of this same creation. And, we already know the original cast is highly supportive of this new work, even though, financially or otherwise, there really is nothing in it for them (aside from Richard Thomas who is serving as the narrator). So, if you don't want to watch it, then don't watch it. I, as someone who has been to the real "Waltons Mountain" at Schuyler, Virginia just this summer, am looking forward to seeing what they do with it, and I know most of those who had a stake in the original are as well. It will be strange without "Ben", but he was already a composite of two of Earl's brothers anyway, and also only had about two lines in the original 'Homecoming' movie. The producers have already addressed this in interviews and have stated if the movie becomes a series, Ben will re-appear, likely being explained as having been visiting Aunt Rose or something.
-
O
Give it a chance. I watched the original movie and the series. Some want a remake with original cast. You do realize that many of the original cast members are now deceased? Both grandparents. John sr (Ralph Waite) and others. I agree many remakes of classic favorites are not successful, but let’s see and not shoot it down before it even gets shown.
I’m nearly 70 and I want to see it.
-
G
I’ll give it a shot…
-
B
I watch the original Waltons every day it is on TV. And after the series ended they made at least 6 2-hour movies starring the same cast.
-
R
Finally! Thank you.
-
O
I love the classic and I'm so starved for the good ole days that I'm going to give it a chance. Hopefully, Richard cares enough for his fans that he wouldn't just do it for a paycheck. I feel if they follow Earl's teachings as close as they can and don't try to modernize it with sexual innuendos and fart jokes then it should give us fans a good feeling.
-
P
Cant wait its about time bring back the classics
-
B
Yet poc can have tv shows and movies with little to no Caucasian/Latino/Asian, etc, etc people in it and that's okay...
Go figure.
-
G
I am thrilled about this!!! Cant wait to see it. There are 100’s of remakes. Don’t understand why people are opposed. I would be estactic if they would turn it into a series more young people would watch. We need more wholesome TV. Shows have way to much violence and not enough good values and family’s that love and inspire.
-
G
Nooooooo ! Not another mess up on a classic TV show. Why not just continue with the next generation which would be their children. I would love to see John Boys twins and Jason and Antoinette ( Toni ) six kids as well and all the others. Now that would be a great TV movie to watch.
-
G
No
-
G
True... Very positive
-
G
Amen... Preach
-
P
Waltons movie was entertaining. Why was Ben's character deleted from the cast? Alot of differences in the characters from the original show. I hope those who never watched it before will become fans of the series.
-
O
This movie was horrible. I love the Waltons even today and actually still watch shows. I love how they portrayed the era that was a very hard time for people. Kids did not cuss and this show didn’t need that or the mother talking to her daughter with sexual undertones. Hollywood if you are going to copy a classic do it right. Not every show needs cuss words. Before anyone says anything I know there were only a few but still too many when the original had none.
-
B
Very nostalgic….great story and the performances were really good. Having Richard Thomas narrate was a nice touch. Of course there were tears at the end. Loved every minute of this movie.
-
G
Ruins everything! Every time they have something good going they want to remake it and ruin it you’ll never change my mind about the Waltons and anything else won’t even do
-
R
Yikes. I'm going to watch but I'll probably be disappointed. Remakes usually don't go well.
-
O
Well hopefully they don't politically correct it. After all it's the depression era not 2021.
-
O
What a milestone for this wonderful movie and subsequent series. Maybe another movie will be made interspersing original series actors in new roles. What a treat that would be to see many of them. For now I’ll be happy to hear the voice of Richard Thomas in narration and to watch these actors pay homage to “The Waltons”.
-
G
Do you think the new Johnboy will have a shirtless scene? He looks like an underwear model.
-
B
When I was a kid( I'm now 55) my parents watched The waltons, but I was at the age not too interested..But I now so much LOVE the Waltons! This new remake doesnt impress me because it's lacking all my favorite actors, BUT it just might lure the younger crowd into watching The original Waltons! Though it took a long time, I SURE did learn 2 love and appreciate this series..Amen to those who have managed 2 capture the good ole days,whether depression or not, and make us appreciate for what we have!
-
P
Why? I loved the original Homecoming! Didn’t need a remake!
-
G
remakes are not as good as the original in my view.leave it alone..
-
C
I will not watch it, I am sick of Hollywood trying to remake the classics. They are never any good. Too bad Hollywood can’t come up with something original
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services