‘Leverage’ Reboot: Why Didn’t Timothy Hutton Return As Nate Ford?
The Leverage Reboot titled Leverage: Redemption recently dropped Part 1 into the IMDb streaming library that Amazon Video subscribers have free access to. As Amazon subscribers and anyone else with access to IMDb streaming library binge through the first eight episodes of the series reboot, they have one simple question… What happened to Timothy Hutton? Why didn’t Timothy Hutton return to the Leverage Reboot as Nate Ford?
Warning: This article may continue spoilers from the Leverage reboot.
Nate Ford not returning made sense for the storyline
For those who watched all of the original Leverage, Timothy Hutton not reviving his role as Nate Ford makes sense. After all, he walked away from the team at the end of the series. Now, things get a little foggy because the trailer and promo images reveal Gina Bellman did return and revive her role as grifter Sophie Devereaux.
As those who watched the original Leverage will recall, Sophie and Nate left the team when the series concluded. Nate left Parker in charge with Eliot and Hardison by her side. So, Gina reviving her role as Sophie without Timothy reviving his role as Nate doesn’t make sense. The two left to be together. So, what happened that could allow the story to bring her back without him?
Those who have seen the first episode of the reboot already know how the writers make the storyline work so Sophie can come back without Nate. Unfortunately, it isn’t a very happy one. In the first few minutes of the first episode of Leverage: Redemption we learn Nate Ford passed away. The details of his death are not revealed in this episode. But, as it progresses we learn he had been dead for roughly a year. Regrettably, it didn’t look as though Sophie had been able to move past his death.
The team comes together during the episode to celebrate the anniversary of Nate’s death. Mostly, it appears as if they come together to check on Sophie. They end up pulling one last job together. Slowly, it seems to be just the medicine she needs to heal and mourn the loss of Nate Ford.
But, why didn’t Timothy Hutton return for the Leverage Reboot?
Now, you are probably wondering… What reason was there for Gina Bellman to return as Sophie while Timothy Hutton did not return as Nate Ford. Turns out, the actor wasn’t in a place where he could return to the show. So, the only way they could bring the rest of the cast together for a reboot was without him.
According to Screen Rant, Timothy Hutton has pretty severe criminal allegations against him right now. Last year, he was accused of raping Sera Johnston. The alleged rape reportedly occurred back in 1983 when the actress was just 14-years-old.
When speaking her truth last year, the actress explained she would have been a 14-year-old just starting in the acting industry accusing a famous actor of sexually assaulting her. She feared no one would believe her and it would have been the end of her career before it even really begun. Timothy Hutton denies her claims. But, the severity of the claims would not have made for good press for the reboot. So, it was in the best interest of the series for the actor NOT to revive his role as Nate Ford.
Nate Ford will NOT make an appearance in Leverage: Redemption
Now, it goes without saying that Timothy Hutton will NOT make any appearances in the reboot as Nate Ford. The most effective way to guarantee that this actor could not return sometime later was to kill off the character. Considering the seriousness of the claims against him… The decision to cut ties with him and kill off the character certainly makes sense.
The question is: Can the Leverage Reboot stand without Nate Ford leading the team? Can fans enjoy the reboot without Timothy Hutton’s character? You’ll have to stream part one of the reboot and answer that question yourself!
Have you had a chance to watch Part One of the Leverage Reboot just yet? Were you bummed Nate Ford did not return? Did you know about the actor’s history? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. And, keep coming back for the latest news on Scripted TV.
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Leverage Redemption without Timothy Hutton is somewhat empty and not as intriguing. All of the team members do well; however Nathan’s complex, intelligent character was the bedrock og the show.
I loved Timothy Hutton’s character Nate Ford….Leverage is not the same anymore without him….Plus a 38 year wait in order to report a rape…this sounds fishy probably someone wanting to ruin his career.
Nate’s story was overtold in the original Leverage. It wouldn’t have added anything for him to return and would have held the new series back by rehashing old overly done Nate material. From a narrative perspective alone, it’s good he’s officially gone.
That said, even if it was bad for the narrative, I’d still support his exclusion. I’m glad that (at least some) studios are taking accusations like this seriously.
regardless of Nate Ford not being in the reboot I am very pleased to see the show has come back. I’ve binge watched the first 8 episodes and I’m just worried Hardison isn’t fully back. Hardison was only in the first two episodes and then had to leave and go babysit shri Lanka. Hardison is just as important as Nate and needs to be back in the whole series.
He was found innocent. Another’s life totally ruined over lies and the cancel culture sickness. FOUND INNOCENT by law and courts!
You’re glad some studios are taking accusations seriously? What? Innocent until proven guilty. Ruining someone’s career based on a 38 year old accusation is unacceptable. If he is found guilty of the rape charge, may he rot in prison, but until then this is ridiculous.
Replacing Hutton with Noah Wyle is a significant downgrade.Wyle will add as much to Leverage as he did to Librarians, which was nothing.
Hutton is no Hanks, but Wyle is no Hutton. The Nate role is going to crater this reboot.
Bring back Timothy Hutton Leverage
Waiting (seriously ?) 38 YEARS ?! And the accuser wants serious justice ? What was the point in that 38-year wait ? That Judge should have thrown the case OUT. Statute of Limitations — waiting 38 years– is the deciding factor. Waste of time and tax money. THutton’s attorneys didn’t;’t challenge the 38-year time-line and lack of credibiity on an outdated, time/date expired accusation.
I think killing a man’s career for crimes committed is justified. Killing it for allegations is unAmerican. How appropriate will killing his character off be if we later find out he’s completely innocent? Victims should speak up and they should be heard but automatically believing the victim is a very dangerous place to go.
I 100% agree. She cared more about her career than someone actually sexually assaulting her and how many 14 year olds would think like that? Her parents must have put that in her head
As an activist who has been to MANY women’s rallies, I believe the complainant’s own words point to her as a liar. I have listened to hundreds of rape stories. Not a one was referred to as a “bad sex experience.”
The show is great and I love seeing the relationships again. Harrison, Parker, and Elliot were my favorite parts of the show so see them going back and forth again is a true joy for me 🙂
I don’t really understand how yall don’t understand why he was killed off passed on VERY SERIOUS allegations. Also, why would Sera lie about something like this? About Timothy, the leverage guy? The apologist in the comments are truly terrifying. “what if he’s innocent”…but what if he’s guilty for raping a 14 year old??? and you can’t say that it’s for attention because once again, who would lie about timothy? I truly hope the people and children in your lives have some who they can actually go to and talk to if something like this happens to them because they obviously won’t get any sympathy from yall
I hope you are never fired, or not hired, based on unsubstantiated accusations. Or your family or friends. If he’s found not guilty, I hope he sues, and wins future lost wages. If he’s found guilty, it’s cemented in a big corporation, they have no responsibility for their own actions. (Based on greed and not any moral outrage). They could have reshot and rescripted episodes, killed him off, etc. after ruling. Instead, they preferred to not use him to save money. And then they wrap it up with a big red bow that says they are standing up against sexual violence. If so, they wouldn’t make movies that actually portray rape and sexual violence.
As long as Hollywood, and people, continue to watch and profit from Polanski, Weinstein, Johnny depp, Ben affleck, Kevin spacey, Morgan freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, bill cosby-their previously made movies and tv, opinions like yours undermine our justice system-in the worst way possible. Add to that all the movies available to watch that used men and women, and children in sexual roles that made a joke of sexual assault and harassment. Like the scenes from Taxi (Jodi foster) or comments as if they are funny like national lampoon vacation or 16 candles. When Hollywood cleans out it’s own garbage, I will start to see a single moral fiber those involved might try to exhibit. Until then-it’s money. It all comes down to greed. And there are very few things that come close to celebrity and Hollywood greed.
I agree. Shame to be guilty until proven innocent. I loved his character and miss him.
He was found innocent. Another’s life totally ruined over lies and the cancel culture sickness. FOUND INNOCENT by law and courts!
She lied. He was found innocent. Another’s life totally ruined over lies and the cancel culture sickness. FOUND INNOCENT by law and courts!
But what if they’re innocent
“her truth”? It’s either the truth or it’s lies. There’s perspective but that’s not what you wrote.
I am not defending Hutton but allegations from 1983 and the women tried to extort money from him. Since Hutton refused then it went public….. Allegations from 1983? Hutton needs to file a lawsuit if this is not true….. I did not like the new guy that replaced him…..
100% agree
How old was Hutton in 1983, when the alleged rape occurred? And what are the statue of limitations for the state of California for the alleged charges? Merely curious?
he was 22/23 years old depending if the allegation happened before his birthday in Aug or after it.
I enjoyed the first Leverage series, and I’m enjoying the reboot.
Loved original Leverage and Love the reboot Leverage Redemption! I can’t wait for Season 2. The theme, the premise, and the characters are all wonderful. More, more, more fighting bad people and helping those who need it to change the world one person at a time. I love the redemption theme and look forward to that theme continuing with different people each season coming into the lives of the team.
Loving the reboot … Noah will work just fine but need to bring Hardeson back
Want to see Hutton back. He was exonerated. There is an ongoing investigation regarding extortion charges against the model. I would like to see equal treatment between the accused and the accuser. No one should have their life destroyed due to an accusation.
I agree!
The show seems empty without Nate. And reading here it appears that Hardison will also be missing. I’ve only watched one episode so far. Just not excited like I was with the original cast. I read toward the end that Hutton was cleared of all charges. Bring Nate back!!!
You need to watch more! They are great!
I binged watch Leverage: Redemption. Noah Wyle is an amazing actor. I actually liked his character better than Nate’s. Timothy Hutton is a good actor, too. But Noah has a subtlety in his acting that is very endearing.
I’m enjoying Leverage Redemption. As much as I enjoyed Hutton as Nate Ford, the character was played out by the end of the original series. I think Ford’s death was appropriate and realistic for the character and brings a lot of potential for future episodes. I think Hardison’s replacement has potential, and I am looking forward to seeing how Wylie develops his character. The charm of the original was held by Eliot, Parker, and Hardison and although H is only there for a bit, the team camaraderie is intact and entertaining. I hope there is a season 2 with a few other returning characters!
Timothy Hutton is just another victim of “cancel culture.” If some random person accused YOU of assaulting them almost 40 years ago, would you be happy to accept “THEIR truth” and just go with the flow?? A lot of people get so giddy about some celebrity getting accused of something, until it happens to them.
This is a man’s LIFE we are talking about here, with no evidence to speak of. Btw, as of this date, Hutton has been cleared of all charges by the Canadian judicial system, and he has filed extortion charges against his accuser with the FBI.
But nooooo, he has been killed off on the show because some person, could be any person accused him of something that NO ONE has a clue what the hell she is talking about, hence the dismissed charges.
Btw, I’m still watching the Leverage reboot just because I’m a huge fan of the show, but without Hutton’s steely, multi-dimensional character, there is a huge gaping hole there that cannot be filled by Noah Wylie. And I’m not putting down Mr. Wylie, I loved him in “The Librarian”, but Nathan Ford was the straw that stirred the Leverage drink, and anyone who knows anything about the show knows that…
“Timothy Hutton has officially been cleared by law enforcement of a criminal complaint filed against him. The Canadian authorities scrutinized the matter and found a glaring lack of support and proof of Ms. Johnston’s claim,” Joshua Rosenberg, Hutton’s U.S. lawyer with Kinsella Weitzman, told THR in a statement.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/timothy-hutton-to-face-no-charge-1983-rape-allegation-1234986021/
Though I agree with “innocent until proven guilty, and not ruining a career,” I completely disagree that Noah Wyle adds nothing to the show. It is a bit lighter now. Nate was so dark and complex (rightly so as his character lost his child), but this reboot is lighter. I love knowing that Sophie and Nate had time together.
Though I am sadden Timothy Hutton couldn’t return, I like Noah Wyle’s character (not as a replacement, just as an addition).
I do wish Hardeson could be in more shows but I understand he had other filming commitments when the reboot began shooting. I am just soooo excited to see the team (mostly) together again and new episodes coming!!!!
I am so disappointed. Redemption is awful. It would maybe have been successful without adding a new character. From what I read no charges were filed against Hutton, if that was the reason for releasing him. Leverage could do better with the original cast. I am so disappointed!
Timothy Hutton IS the show along with other talented charming side kicks. I really cannot believe that a show which is SO well done in story line, timing, etc would allow a 45-50 yr old allegation to prevent it’s continuation…..we watch it every week day afternoon and have no desire to watch the “…Redemption” version…..PLEASE PLEASE BRING HIM BACK IF POSSIBLE. HE MADE THE SHOW WONDERFULLY BELIEVABLE.
But what if they’re innocent
I really liked this show and the cast, but I’m giving any reboots a hard pass for the way they handled the situation.
Considering Hutton hadn’t even had his day in court the proper thing to do would have been to let his character remain happy somewhere offscreen, and then if it turned out Hutton was innocent, the door would have been open to bring the character back, but they didn’t even give Hutton the benefit of the doubt; they just killed off a much liked character in the most unsatisfying way possible.
Crappy thing to do all the way around for fans of the show.
Can’t the writers write Nate back into the series… Nate & Sophie had to fake Nate’s death to avert some trouble that inevitably has now re-appeared. Nate, who is in hiding with the help of Hardison (Shri Lanka is a cover story) comes out of hiding when he hears of Sophi & the team’s distress.
Although I miss Nate I think the new show is great. I got tired of the drunk Nate really fast.
I like all the actors except I’m not a fan of Noah Wyle at all. His character has some comic relief, but anyone could have played his character.
All in all I like the new show because I missed the original show very much and I’ve watched the reruns many times. I hope Leverage: Redemption lasts a very long time.
This is outrageous. Innocent until proven guilty. Modern day is far too eager to listen to any woman in the Me Too movement. It’s horrendous that a woman can destroy a man’s life and career without a shred of evidence. This article was poorly written and poorly executed. If I accuse you of murdering someone, then that doesn’t mean that you should instantly lose your job, be unable to get another one and die homeless even if proven innocent.