{
  "id": 20072999,
  "title": "ABC Wanted To Cast Don Johnson As One Of Battlestar Galactica's Main Heroes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/abc-wanted-to-cast-don-johnson-as-one-of-battlestar-galacticas-main",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-14T23:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TVLine",
    "slug": "tvline",
    "url": "https://www.tvline.com/2314000/abc-wanted-don-johnson-battlestar-galactica-main-hero/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The original Battlestar Galactica series was a groundbreaking sci-fi show that focused on the human drama of a close-knit group of heroes. Lieutenant Starbuck, a roguish combat pilot known for smoking cigars, playing cards, and womanizing, was the epitome of a 1970s macho action hero. The role was initially intended for Dirk Benedict, who had impressed the creators with his performance. However, ABC executives were not convinced by Benedict's limited TV experience and opted for Don Johnson instead. Johnson went on to become a household name through his roles in Miami Vice and movies such as Django Unchained and Knives Out. It was only after multiple rigorous screen tests that Benedict secured the role. In a different era, Starbuck was played by Dirk Benedict, while in the reboot series, the role was portrayed by Katee Sackhoff, who underwent numerous auditions to land the part. Benedict, who was not a fan of the recasting or the new depiction of the series, expressed his disapproval in a 2004 essay, criticizing the reboot for its despair, sexual violence, and family dysfunction. Over time, his opposition seemed to lessen, and he eventually met Sackhoff at a Starbucks for a photo op.",
  "summary": "Most fans know him for playing Sonny Crockett, but ABC actually wanted the Miami Vice star to play one of the most important characters in Battlestar Galactica.",
  "key_points": [
    "ABC initially wanted Don Johnson for Battlestar Galactica's main hero role.",
    "Dirk Benedict was chosen over Don Johnson due to limited TV experience.",
    "Benedict later criticized the reboot series in a 2004 essay."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}