Shemar Moore Addresses ‘S.W.A.T.’ Spinoff & Moving Ahead Without Former Castmates: “I’m The Quarterback”
While recognizing he may “catch some flak” from the industry and fans, Shemar Moore on Monday spoke out about his upcoming S.W.A.T. spinoff while using a Tom Brady analogy to explain why he’s going it alone this time.
In a lengthy Instagram video, Moore acknowledged that “nobody likes change” and “you can’t win without taking your lumps” before talking about his decision to do S.W.A.T. Exiles. Moore will reprise his character as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson but the new iteration will focus on his leading “a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits.” None of his co-stars were mentioned in the announcement that came late Sunday from Sony Pictures TV Studios.
Devoted fans of the cop drama that aired for eight seasons on CBS embraced the decision but tempered their praise with questions about why former castmates like the popular Jay Harrington as Deacon weren’t joining the new venture.
“Just wouldn’t be the same without them!!!” said reader Joey Moore on Deadline’s message board.
“Please allow some of the old squad, especially the younger ones be a part of the new show. We need everyone!!!” added a reader named Cookie.
In a video for his 4.4 million followers, Moore acknowledged his talented former castmates but when on to explain how he’s the quarterback, aka “Tom Brady of S.W.A.T.”
“That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego, it’s a fact,” said Moore. “Tom Brady might be the quarterback, but you know, people get traded. Tight ends get traded. The running back gets traded, the receivers get traded but the teams keep pushing with their quarterback and I’m that guy, so proud so grateful, not gonna apologize for nothing. Busted my ass for 31 years to do what I do, and excited for the future.”
So is there still a chance that Harrington could be Moore’s Gronk in S.W.A.T: Exiles? Eh, maybe it’s time to cool it with the analogies. Here’s what Moore said.
Sony’s plan that was masterminded under the leadership of President Katherine Pope is to produce and distribute the 10-episode series globally by “finding the right homes and partners for these new stories to reach the passionate S.W.A.T. fanbase and attract new viewers.” The new version will be led by Jason Ning (Lucifer), who recently renewed his overall deal with SPT.
Production is expected to begin this summer in Los Angeles. Sony said the spinoff will employ the same 200-person production crew that helped to make S.W.A.T. a success for CBS.