As Netflix prepares to debut its new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie on July 9, one of the series’ stars is addressing concerns from fans who remain skeptical about another remake of the beloved franchise. Actor Warren Christie, who portrays John Edwards in the upcoming series, believes viewers will find that the reboot respects both Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original novels and the values that made the classic television series an enduring favorite.
The new series follows the Ingalls family—Charles, Caroline, Laura, Mary, and Carrie—as they navigate life on the American frontier. While the iconic 1974 television adaptation starring Michael Landon remains a cultural touchstone, Netflix’s version is expected to draw more directly from Wilder’s bestselling books.
Warren Christie says the reboot remains faithful to the source material
Speaking with Crosswalk Headlines, Christie acknowledged that fans have valid reasons to be cautious whenever a classic property is revived.
“I understand [the concern], because truthfully, it does happen sometimes,”
Christie said, referring to remakes that fail to capture the spirit of the originals.
However, he emphasized that this production was created with a deep respect for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s work.
“We’re based on the books – so if you’re a fan of the books, I think you’re going to be a fan of the show.”
Christie also praised showrunner and executive producer Rebecca Sonnenshine, describing her as someone who genuinely understands the source material.
“She loves these books, and she also happens to be brilliant and knows how to make great television.”
He added that executive producers Joy Gorman Wettels and Trip Friendly, whose family owns the rights to the original television series, ensured the reboot was handled thoughtfully.
“It wasn’t done kind of willy-nilly.”
Classic themes remain at the heart of the Netflix series
According to Christie, Netflix’s adaptation preserves the emotional core that has allowed Little House on the Prairie to resonate with readers and viewers for generations. Rather than modernizing the story beyond recognition, the creative team focused on timeless ideas such as hope, resilience, family, faith, and the importance of community.
“For the purists that loved the original, I think if you give it a chance, you’re going to really love it,” Christie said. “I think it’s sweeping, I think it’s beautiful, I think it’s stunning, and I think more importantly, the themes that you loved… about community and hope, strength in the human spirit, people coming together… they’re absolutely core to this.”
These values helped both Wilder’s books and the original television series remain popular for decades and continue to attract new audiences around the world.
Christie believes the reboot arrives at a time when family-friendly entertainment that appeals to multiple generations has become increasingly rare.
“We’re trying to introduce a new generation,” he said.
As a father himself, Christie noted that finding television shows parents and children can genuinely enjoy together is becoming more difficult.
“To be able to go a little bit old school and bring everybody around the same TV and share that moment… I don’t think there’s enough of it.”
Netflix appears confident in the series’ future, with Season 2 already reported to be in production. By staying close to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original stories while introducing modern production values, the streaming service hopes the beloved frontier saga will connect with longtime fans and first-time viewers alike.
