Jacki Weaver Cast in NBC’s New Pilot of The Rockford Files

Jacki Weaver has officially joined the cast of NBC’s pilot for The Rockford Files, a contemporary update on the classic series. She will be acting alongside David Boreanaz and Michaela McManus in the reimagined story of private investigator James Rockford.

In this new adaptation, Boreanaz portrays Rockford, who has recently been paroled after serving time for a crime he did not commit. He returns to Los Angeles, utilizing his charm and wit to solve various cases. However, his quest to regain legitimacy soon puts him in conflict with both local law enforcement and organized crime.

Weaver, known for her dynamic roles, will play Rockford’s long-time neighbor from the trailer park, described as a tough activist and think-tank analyst. McManus will portray Kate, a detective in East Hollywood who navigates a complicated romantic relationship with Rockford, especially after he publicly accused officers of framing him.

Originally aired from 1974 to 1980, the original The Rockford Files starred James Garner as the titular detective. While the series is set in Los Angeles, the pilot will be filmed in Atlanta, with plans for additional shooting in Los Angeles. The final production location will depend on whether the pilot is picked up, with potential applications for a California tax credit.

The project is spearheaded by writer Mike Daniels and produced by Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, alongside Universal Television. Daniels, Timberman, and Beverly will serve as executive producers, with Chris Leanza as co-executive producer. Boreanaz is also listed as a producer, while Universal Television is part of Universal Studio Group.

Jacki Weaver has had a distinguished career spanning over 50 years in theater, film, and television. She gained international acclaim for her role in Animal Kingdom, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2011. Additionally, she received another Oscar nomination for her work in David O. Russell’s The Silver Linings Playbook. Recently, she co-starred in Clipped and has appeared in various other projects, including Hello Tomorrow, Yellowstone, Perpetual Grace, LTD, and Blunt Talk. Weaver is represented by CAA and Elevate Entertainment.