The ’80s were undoubtedly a wild time for pop culture; it was a time when studios didn’t shy away from even the most experimental ideas, like a TV show about a high-tech military helicopter starring a real, flight-capable chopper. This is the story of Airwolf, the world’s coolest helicopter, and why now is the perfect time for a TV reboot or remake of the 1980s action series.
Do We Need An Airwolf Reboot or Remake?
At the height of the Cold War, espionage and covert missions were all the rage in Western media. Airwolf (created by Donald P. Bellisario starring Jan-Michael Vincent, Ernest Borgnine, Alex Cord, Barry Van Dyke and Jean Bruce Scott) is certainly a product of its time. Yet, that doesn’t mean that a reboot couldn’t capture the original show’s unbridled attitude.
The basic plot of Airwolf follows the crew of the titular Airwolf: a state-of-the-art military helicopter armed with all kinds of futuristic weapons, an advanced weapons system and impressive mobility. Capable of surpassing supersonic speeds, one of the coolest features of the Airwolf was that it was disguised as a civilian chopper.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing, Airwolf ran for four successful seasons: an impressive feat for a show that began its life as a Magnum P.I. spin-off. Airwolf also spawned tons of licensed merchandise, including video games, toys, and even a series of tie-in novels.
The real helicopter used for the show was a modified Bell 222 (serial number 47085) with a tragic story surrounding it. The copter was sold after the show ended, eventually becoming an air ambulance helicopter in Germany. Tragically, the sophisticated helicopter crashed during a thunderstorm in 1992, killing all of its crew members.
Why Now?
![Airwolf Reboot Remake](https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Airwolf-Reboot-Remake-1200x675.jpg)
With the advent of online streaming services and the rise in popularity of high-budget TV shows, now’s a better time than ever to raise the Airwolf franchise from the proverbial ashes. Heck, many of the 80s TV shows could get reboots or remakes. Bring on Knight Rider, Hardcastle and McCormick, and The Highwayman, too.
Sure, the arms race of the Cold War is no more, but that doesn’t diminish the appeal of a show about an advanced military helicopter. Considering that the original show offered a window into what was achievable in the field of military tech, now’s the perfect chance to seize the moment and show what the new technologies in aerospace engineering can deliver.
Things like unmanned aerial vehicles and the advances in VTOL aircraft could be explored in a new – and possibly futuristic – Airwolf. And while we are on the subject of precisely how to make an Airwolf reboot, perhaps we should address the elephant in the room and decide on how to tackle the intense action of a series like this.
Budget Concerns
Of course, relying on a real attack helicopter and doing some risky stunts just for a show sounds a bit farfetched by today’s standards. Fortunately, we have the magic of modern CGI on our side for an Airwolf reboot.
A CG Airwolf would save the studio millions in production costs, not to mention that we could have the armed helicopter doing more dangerous stunts than in the original show. The coolness of Airwolf’s concept is something that transcends the limits of CG, and considering the success of film franchises like Fast and Furious, it would be safe to say that audiences are ready for a new, vehicle-centred show.
The potential for a new Airwolf franchise is certainly there; it’s just a matter of finding its niche. Focusing on a new generation of fans – while delivering some tidbits of the always-effective nostalgia bait – would ensure this reboot’s success. Let’s just hope that, whoever decides to resurrect the franchise, keeps true to the original’s totally rad attitude.
We want more of Stringfellow Hawke, Dominic Santini, Michael Coldsmith Briggs III, Marella, St. John Hawke and, of course, that high-technology military helicopter in the new version. Heck, we’re even down for a Blue Thunder vs Airwolf or Airwolf vs Knight Rider movie.
What do you think? Do you want an Airwolf TV series reboot or remake? It’s hard to imagine that we’re still celebrating this amazing helicopter after all these years. It’s remained a pop culture favourite, even inspiring Air Jordan 11 sneaker designs.
Oh, and bring back Sylvester Levay’s theme music too. That song is a classic. Take a listen below.
I’m a huge airwolf fan I grew up in the 80’s and yes I would love to see a reboot but I’m also scared at the same time because like knight rider nothing will ever touch the original even though the knight rider reboot was epic it just didn’t have… Read more »
NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Remakes boooh!
Rewatch the old show!
Seria bueno que la hicieran pero con aires de los 80, ya que esta muy de moda en varias, series
Well in perfect numbers with the perfect people can make this rare option happen. I for one am a believer with the correct people by my side. Be careful what you wish for.
Wow Stephen chimed in the very fellow who took the enourmous task of making a Airwolf replica thank you for that by the way, I know it was a labor of love . I watched your you tube videos on making the replica too cool thank you another big airwolf… Read more »
Please please please bring it back.
Reboot yes! July 2022 just put an Airwolf sticker on my car. No reboot. Continue the story. Airwolf was stolen and found 3 years later by a veteran pilot. He knows its history and his buddy is a high tech helicopter/ computer expert. They decide to continue its missions thru… Read more »
Im a huge Airwolf fan and they had the best actors and the perfect helicopter, so many reboots, NO TO THIS, Knight Rider was remade and it was terrible, Then The A Team reboot movie, utter junk… Stop rebooting all classics, they are classics for a reason!!! They cant do… Read more »
I’d opt for a different approach.. Where could all the physical characteristics of Airwolf exist? A Game !! What would be greater then flying ‘The Lady ‘ yourself? Especially nowadays where it’s so foto realistic. Or even in VR.. how awesome that would be … Be inside the cockpit yourself… Read more »
As a Filmmaker, I can assure you, that CGI is NOT cheaper. Especially when you require super realistic, moving parts, explosions, and fluid movements. It would demand the production team to rent out a Rendering Farm for anything highly detailed, or multiple composites to be overlayed on the screen, something… Read more »
Well said.Airwolf reboot has to be brought back using an original Bell 222.It has to have a resurrection theme to kick- off a futuristic story,but in modern times,less graphics the better,meaner,vicious and cheekier than ever,in the backdrop of a revenge storyline.
With 2022 real world geopolitical tensions soaring again, I’d say there’s a valid background. Of course, the sceptic in me would assume they’d only eff up a reboot. Speaking of real world: the fastest combat helicopter in test stages (Sikorsky X2 Raider/S97) only manages a third or a quarter of… Read more »
This poor show died when they had to prop Jan Michael up from one direction, then have him do voice overs later since he could barely stand during the scenes. The Canadian reboot, meh. As for a reboot of the series, with drones, the changes in air combat since the… Read more »
I agree that AIRWOLF II was weaker than the original CBS series but remember that it was done with a minimal budget and virtually no new helicopter scenes. Most of the helicopter stunt scenes were recuts of footage from the original series. Some friends of mine were the writers and… Read more »
The idea of ‘reboot’ is so wildly unpredictable that the final product could be a disaster. Hollywood’s psychotic need to ‘Make things Better’, sours the idea considerably. A case in point is the SciFi Channel’s reboot of Battlestar Galactica. The BSG reboot simply did not have the core values that… Read more »
No. Leave it the hell alone.
That would be nice a Airwolf reboot for a lot of people it is a icon from there childhood
yes an airwolf reboot done the right way in the spirit of the orignal show would be awesome.yes cgi would save a lot of money..but you have to look at the orignal show and what was amazingly done.a new reboot would have to include a real helecopter of some kind… Read more »
I still love watching the show! I’d be 100% in favor of a re-boot if they do it right!
Yes bring this show back It was a Great show in the 80s
I’ve been saying this for years, you could do so much with it to day.
No, it would be SJW to utter wokeness. It would not be the show it was, but a very pale imitation.
yeah my favorite show all time
Yeah! My favorite show all time
Where did you get your shirt? Where may I get one? These snap ships look GREAT.
Heck yes, I want an Airwolf reboot. I loved this show when I was a kid and still do.
Yes!!!
A reboot would be fine as long as whomever is doing doesn’t screw it up royally like they did MacGyver and Magnum PI. They should run on the concept of havin either Stringfellow’s or St John’s children (let’s face it, the guys were sluts) picked for the project like their… Read more »
One thing I am almost sure about that the author has wrong in his article is I don’t remember it being a spin-off from Magnum P.I. The series was started with a two-hour premier from what I remember. If it was a spin-off from Magnum P.U., I would not have… Read more »
Hells to the yeah we need a reboot just don’t let the rock do it
I am so sick of the reboots. 1 out of 5 being good is being generous as most flopped. I don’t want to see this happen to Airwolf.
Yes, it was a great show in its day. Better than Blue Thunder.
Hell yeah I loved the show back in the day would love to see a reboot maybe even as far as a newer chopter
Absolutely loved the show never missed it as a kid it also inspired me to go into a great career. So yeah we need a reboot I still watch the reruns with my children now.
Absolutely loved the show never missed it as a kid it also inspired me to go into a great career. So yeah we need a reboot I still watch the reruns with my children now.
One of my all time favorite shows, so yes, a reboot would be great.
I would love to have a reboot! I Still have my RC Helicopter 60 size that I built from a Larry Jolly kit which was a fiberglass model of Airwolf. He also did lots of the stunts using the RC model.
Hell ya! Grew up with this show, staunch supporter of it and the actors who played the parts. I personally feel “The Lady” left the screen far too soon. Even if the show is redone for that period, it would be awesome!!
Hell yes this was my show growing up must do
i loved the original show not usa network verson if they are going to reboot it do it wright all the remakes they have bin doing are bad
ONLY if it is done right, NO CGI stuff as it looks to fake or unbelievable. Maybe for a storyline since JMV and EB has passed away but JBS and AC are still alive. But maybe Caitlin and Hawk had kids together fly an UPDATED Airwolf and Caitlin be at… Read more »
Yes !!!!
please make this happen!!
I just hate the “Reboot” thing. Just let the old things die. Use their brains and come up with new things.
I just hate the “Reboot” thing. Just let the old things die. Use their brains and come up with new things.
Yes yes and yes never missed a show even watched the reruns .super fan here ….used to pretend on the swing set as iam gliding though the air humming the song that I was string fellow and my buddy was dom God I miss that show
Ja hellere end gerne
Sure! Bring it back! I used tobe a skydiver back in the 90ies and the “Airwolf” was stationed at my drop zone as an Intensive Care Transportation Helicopter. I was shocked when I heard that it crashed.
Absolutely yes yes yes. Loved the show in the 80s.I even have airwolf as my mobile ringtone on my phone for many years now. I would love to see a reboot. Many thumbs up for airwolf. Please reboot. Please please please
Sure would like to hear that cool Airwolf theme song again.
YES !!!
We need another good show like “AIRWOLF”, WHEN DO YOU THINK IT WILL COME OUT?????
I have been waiting for over 30 years for a return. If they could fix the writing and improve the acting. It would be perfect !! I have been a superfan since the airing of the original pilot film in 1984 .
Ummm YEAH…
Love to see a new Airwolf, loved the original and can only imagine what a new one would be like.
Absolutely. My 6 year old and I watch the original almost every night before bed. With only 3 seasons (4 doesn’t count) I definitely would love to see some new stuff. Find a way to Incorporate the family of the original 3 and let’s goooo!!!
NO!! JUST NO!! Hollywood has already s**t on most of the franchises I used to love… DO NOT ruin Airwolf too!! The original is a classic and should be left well enough alone!! Besides… Jan-Michael Vincent, Ernest Borgnine, and The Lady herself are all dead and gone… it would be… Read more »
Will never happen. Too expensive, even for CGI. Only so many enemies and scenarios for the aerial ballets (the modern Red Threat + China nowadays). Was of its time.
Absolutely …. But ya have to have the real airwolf back. The same helicopter. Same theme music… Same scream in the air as the turbos are activated. Sucks the real stars have passed away.
Absolutely …. But ya have to have the real airwolf back. The same helicopter. Same theme music… Same scream in the air as the turbos are activated. Sucks the real stars are passed away.
Sorry to say Chris, but the actual aircraft crashed killing the Medical Airlift team onboard.
Hi, I Am an “Airwolf” Fan and I am in Favor of a “Re-Boot” and it is not necessarily a awwfull idea. Keep the original idea and Do not Depend on computers very much and keep it Entertaining. Thank You.
I Am an “Airwolf” Fan Myself and There is maybe a small amount of fans who may not be in favor of a “Re-Boot” to either Television or theatre, it is important to know what “Airwolf” was about and if a studio is Going to make a “Reboot” this program… Read more »
I loved airwolf, nightrider and street Hawk. Nightrider was tried but didn’t do very well, even tho I did like the 1st season. So I would like to see what they can do with airwolf and event Street Hawk. In today’s Society and expanse of social media and gaming perhaps… Read more »
I loved airwolf, nightrider and street Hawk. Nightrider was tried but didn’t do very well, even tho I did like the 1st season. So I would like to see what they can do with airwolf and event Street Hawk. In today’s Society and expanse of social media and gaming perhaps… Read more »
Yes please, but no CGI Helicopters. Must be a real deal flying machine, just like the original
It’s shouldn’t be a reboot, rather a continuation.
FOR SURE!
I would have to know more details about the reboot before I could approve or disapprove. I was a huge fan of the original, but I’ve found that many reboots simply don’t live up to the originals. Look at the number of failed attempts to reboot Knight Rider, for example.… Read more »
Ofcourse. That’s one of my favorite TV shows during the 80’s along with the A Team.
ABSOLUTELY!!! Grew up with this show and LOVED it…lost a bit of enthusiasm for it when JMV dtopped piloting it though…
I watched when I was younger. I’m older now and have watched reruns when I could find it I think a good idea
Yes!
Yes bring it back would love to share it on Facebook
I would love to see a reboot, BUT….i dont think a cgi chopper would be the answer. Like the original the fans knew the helicopter was real (yes modified but real) and that alone would get people watching the program. Any whiff of cgi and i think it will flop… Read more »
It was a great show I never missed it I would love to see a reboot
We absolutely need an Airwolf reboot!!!!!!!!
I sure would I loved this show growing up, it caught my imagination. Would love to see what they could do with it now.