The planned Walker prequel spinoff, titled Walker: Independence, is moving forward with a pilot order from The CW. Set in Texas during the 19th century, the story will follow the origins of the Walker family as they settle in the Lone Star State, with ancestors from other familiar families from the main Walker series set to make appearances. Among the characters confirmed to play a role in Walker: Independence is Hoyt Rawlins, whom Deadline reports will played by Matt Barr. If that sounds familiar, it's because Barr already played a character named Hoyt Rawlins on Walker.
The main series' Hoyt Rawlins was introduced as one of Walker's closest childhood friends, practically regarded as a brother by the Texas Ranger and his family. This friendship was complicated by Hoyt constantly getting into trouble with the law by cheating, stealing and lying his way through life to suit his recklessly impulsive outlook. Hoyt struck up an on-again/off-again romance with fellow childhood friend Geri Broussard, but would ultimately be killed when he helped the Walker family face a harrowing home invasion from a gang of bank robbers led by Walker's old enemy Clint West.
The plot description for Walker: Independence indicates that Walker family ancestor Abby Walker will travel to Texas from her home in Boston, losing her wealthy husband along the way. This leads her to settle in Independence, Texas, where she encounters the 19th century Hoyt Rawlins. Like his eventual 21st century descendant, this Hoyt is described as a lovable rogue who joins up with Abby in search for purpose in his own life. Barr being cast to portray his own character's ancestor opens up intriguing possibilities for Walker: Independence, both in terms of story and additional casting.
One of the subplots in Walker Season 2 has involved the Walker family learning more about their history in Texas stretching back to the 19th century, and learning about the origins to both their territorial claim and feud with the neighboring Davidson family. Barr's casting as Hoyt creates the option for other actors from the main Walker series could appear on Walker: Independence as ancestors from the Walker and Davidson families to showcase just how these two lineages have been clashing for well over a century.
The other element Barr's casting suggests is that the Rawlins family may be more closely related to the Walkers than initially believed. With Barr's 21st century Hoyt portrayed as a charming scoundrel, his 19th century counterpart linking up with Abby to help her pursue revenge against her husband's killers could result in a surprise romance -- which would bring their families closer together through potential offspring. The 19th century Hoyt could also find love elsewhere as Barr effectively portrays his previous character's own great-grandfather, with the apple not falling particularly far from the Texan tree.
Walker Season 2 has steadily laid groundwork for its planned prequel (while also giving Captain James a near-death experience and introducing Walker's new partner, played by Ashley Reyes, who didn't think she'd get the part). Barr's casting as his ancestor underscores the connection between the two eras. Barr's return is more than just another nod to the main Walker series; it hints at where the prequel's story and cast of characters could go as Walker: Independence officially moves into pre-production. And while the Hoyt Rawlins that palled around with Cordell Walker and his family may be dead and gone, the untold history of the lovable rascal is poised to see the light of day with a familiar face behind that irascible smile.
Developed for television by Anna Fricke, Walker airs Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.