Michael B. Jordan recently shared his strong feelings regarding a potential reboot of the acclaimed HBO series The Wire, which originally aired from 2002 to 2008. As one of the most beloved crime dramas, The Wire delves into the drug scene in Baltimore, presenting perspectives from both law enforcement and drug dealers. Jordan, who portrayed Wallace, a young drug dealer, during his time on the show, voiced his opinion in a recent video for GQ where he reflected on his most iconic roles.
In the video, Jordan revealed that his role as Wallace was pivotal in launching his acting career, opening numerous doors for him. However, he expressed a firm stance against the idea of reviving the show, stating that he believes The Wire should remain undisturbed. He commented, “I would love to see that just remain, you know, without a reboot, without a recast, any of that stuff. Just leave it. Leave it where it is. I mean, maybe I’m biased because I’m a part of it, you know what I’m saying. I don’t want to see The Wire rebooted at all.”
The Wire holds a high position in the television landscape, boasting a 95% critics’ score and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Any potential reboot would have an immense legacy to uphold, and Jordan’s concerns are echoed by others from the original cast. Jamie Hector, who played Marlo Stanfield, shared similar sentiments when discussing the matter with Daily Mail last May. He argued that recreating something that concluded on a high note could be detrimental, especially given the significant changes in mindset, timing, and societal context since the early 2000s.
Hector emphasized, “When something is left on a great note and… you try to recreate it again — the mindset, the timing, the era, the people — everything has changed.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among fans and former cast members regarding unnecessary revivals of classic shows in the current television era.
As of now, there have been no announcements regarding a reboot of The Wire in development, which is a relief to fans and actors alike, including Jordan and Hector. Instead, HBO has explored related themes within the realm of crime dramas through series like We Own This City, released in 2022. While not a direct reboot, it explores similar subject matter, chronicling the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. The series served as a reminder of how to approach The Wire’s thematic elements without tarnishing its legacy.
We Own This City has also received positive critical reception, boasting a 93% critics’ score and a 77% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the success of such projects raises questions about whether the original magic of The Wire could ever be truly replicated, leading to the consensus that perhaps it is best left alone.
In an era where Hollywood is rife with reboots and sequels, the prospect of The Wire returning is not entirely implausible. Yet, Jordan’s perspective underscores a significant concern: recapturing the essence of such a profound series would be a Herculean task, and his feelings that it should stay as it is resonate strongly with a dedicated fanbase and former cast members.
