‘Family Matters’ Star Pushes for Animated Reboot with Original Cast, Reveals Progress!

Family Matters star Bryton James recently shared his progress on a concept to reboot the beloved sitcom, envisioning a new animated version that would include original cast members such as Jaleel White.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, James, who played young Richie Crawford from the second to the ninth season, explained that his vision involves transforming the show into an animated series. His plan includes updating the original episodes for today’s audience and starting anew for the current generation.

The actor, also known for his role on The Young and the Restless and a recent crossover with the CBS show Beyond the Gates, mentioned that he has secured a production company ready to back the financial aspect of the animated reboot, with the intention of getting the original cast involved.

“The project is currently with Warner Bros.,” James, an Emmy award recipient, told the publication. “The idea is still out there, floating around, and I am actively pursuing it.” According to EW, a source close to Warner Bros. Animation acknowledged the project but noted it hasn’t progressed beyond James’ proposal.

Originally airing from 1989 to 1998 on ABC and later CBS, following a spin-off from Perfect Strangers, Family Matters showcased the Winslows, an African-American middle-class family in Chicago. The show was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, and developed by Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett. It propelled the careers of stars like Reginald VelJohnson, who portrayed the family patriarch Carl, Jaleel White as pop culture icon Steve Urkel, and James as Carl’s nephew.

Previously, Jaleel White expressed his reluctance to reprise his role as the quirky neighbor in a separate reboot of the show, which was a staple of the TGIF programming block. “I’m not interested if it’s just about making money,” he commented last year. “If I ever revisit Family Matters, it must honor the show’s legacy and support the careers of the younger cast members.”