During a recent episode of Ted Danson's podcast, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," Tom Selleck revealed he almost missed out on playing Thomas Magnum on "Magnum, P.I." due to his dissatisfaction with the original script. Selleck explained that he was preoccupied and reluctant to take the role because he had already fulfilled a contract at the studio for another series. The studio insisted he take on the new show, then titled "Magnum," which he initially hated.

The original script, written by Glen A. Larson, portrayed the character as flawless, with two beautiful women on his arm and a Ferrari. Selleck wanted the character to have more depth. A pivotal conversation with fellow actor James Garner convinced Selleck to accept the role, leading to a complete rewrite of the script.

Selleck recounted telling the studio, "I know I can’t, but I’m going to, and you’ve got to change this, or I can’t do it." He added that had the negotiations failed, he feared he would have gained a reputation for being difficult and might not have worked again.

Additionally, Selleck, known for his role on "Blue Bloods," said he refuses to call the show anything but "Magnum," despite the official title being "Magnum, P.I." This change was made after studio lawyers worried Clint Eastwood might sue over the similarity to his film "Magnum Force," prompting the addition of "P.I." to the title.

By the time of these events, Selleck had gained significant recognition from his role in the miniseries "The Sacketts," which he described as a "huge, huge break."

Sources