A first look teaser for ABC’s new take onThe Wonder Yearshas just been released. Set in the same period, the new show will be reminiscent of the originalWonder Yearsin some ways, though it will be following all-new characters. Bringing back the same familiar theme song, the teaser provides our first look at the new family along with the introduction of Don Cheadle as the series narrator. You can watch the teaser below.
“It’s the little things that you remember all your life,“Don Cheadlesays in the clip. “Your first hit, your first kiss, the first time your dad lets you know that he sees you. Well, I still hadn’t had the other two, but boy did that third one feel good.”
Original series starFred Savageexecutive produces the news series alongside Lee Daniels, Saladin Patterson and Marc Velez, with original series co-creator Neal Marlens serving as a consultant. Savage also directed the pilot episode, which landed the show a series order from the network in May. During production, Daniels also tweeted an image revealing the first look at the new family members.
The Wonder Yearsreboot starsElisha “EJ” Williams as Dean Williams, a role similar to Savage’s Kevin Arnold from the original series. The character is described as an “inquisitive and hopeful 12-year-old kid coming of age in a turbulent time. It’s 1968 in Montgomery, Alabama - and Dean is trying to figure out his place within his Black family and the world at large. Though a little insecure, a tad awkward and a bit self-conscious, he is determined to make his mark on the world around him.”
“We got you on this Zoom because we wanted to welcome you to the family, and tell you that it’s your turn to be the star ofThe Wonder Years,” Savage personally told Williams in a clip posted to YouTube. Patterson added, “It’s kind of like the passing of the torch, right? From one generation ofThe Wonder Yearsto another one. I cannot tell you how blessed we are that you are going to be part of this one.”
Making up the rest ofthe Williams familyin the new series are Dulé Hill as Dean’s father Bill, Saycon Sengbloh as mother Kim, and Laura Kariuki as sister Kim. Don Cheadle serves as the narrator, who’s Dean as an adult regaling the story of his childhood. Also starring in the series is Milan Ray as Dean’s love interest Keisa Clemmons, a role similar to Danica McKellar’s Winnie Cooper from the original series
“HUGE congrats to Milan Ray who plays the young love interest in the newWonder Yearsreboot that started shooting this week,” McKellar posted to Instagram in April. “Milan, you are already far more seasoned an actress than I was when I joined the cast ofThe Wonder Yearsmany moons ago. From what I’ve seen of your work and from what I read in the script, you’re gonna knock it out of the park!! Go get ‘em, girl!”
An official release date forThe Wonder Yearshasn’t yet been set. The first look teaser comes to us fromABC.
