Matheson has previously starred in Aaron Sorkin’s highly acclaimed television series The West Wing as Vice President John Hoynes, a role that snagged him two Emmy nominations.
Whether that ends up resonating with fans, especially the more rabid fans of the Williams version, remains to be seen.
Kasdan and writer Scott Rosenberg are hoping to circumvent this issue by creating entirely original characters set after the original film.
He should fit right in with the main cast, even if the role ends up being a more minor one.