Melissa Gilbert, the beloved actress who portrayed Laura Ingalls in the original "Little House on the Prairie" series from 1974 to 1982, expressed her excitement over the casting for the upcoming Netflix reboot. Over the weekend of May 3-4, 2025, Gilbert took to Instagram to share her joy about the selection of Alice Halsey, a 10-year-old actress, to take on the iconic role of Laura Ingalls. Halsey, who has been seen in projects like "Lessons in Chemistry" alongside Brie Larson and the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," is set to step into the shoes of the character that has resonated with audiences for decades.
In her Instagram post, Gilbert welcomed Halsey to the "Little House" family, stating, "And... there she is. We wish them, as well as @thealicehalsey, all the best." She further emphasized the significance of the character, saying, "The new Netflix series, 'Little House on the Prairie,' has found its Laura Ingalls. We are thrilled to announce that Alice Halsey will portray the iconic role of Laura Ingalls. Let's warmly welcome her into the Little House family!"
Gilbert's enthusiasm reflects the enduring appeal of Laura Ingalls, a character that continues to captivate audiences. She elaborated on this connection, saying, "If the 'Little House on the Prairie' books endure today, it's because so many people identify with Laura. She's a disruptor. Honest to the extreme. She questions authority. And she is our window into this adventure."
The reboot of "Little House on the Prairie" is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it represents a new chapter for the beloved series, which originally aired for 200 episodes and has left a lasting impact on American culture. The series is being produced by Netflix, with Rebecca Shonnenshine serving as the showrunner. Shonnenshine expressed her passion for the project, stating, "I fell in love with these books at five years old. They inspired me to become a writer and filmmaker. I am honored and excited to adapt these stories for a new global audience with Netflix. This will be both a family drama full of hope, an epic survival tale, and a story of the American West—a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier."
As the casting details emerged, it became clear that the reboot aims to stay true to the original spirit of the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder in the 1930s. Alongside Halsey, the cast includes Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls and Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls, portraying the parents of Laura. Skywalker Hughes will take on the role of Mary Ingalls, Laura's older sister. The casting choices have sparked excitement among fans, eager to see how these characters will be brought to life in a modern context.
Melissa Gilbert's reaction to the casting has been overwhelmingly positive, and she is not the only one looking forward to the reboot. Alison Arngrim, who famously played Nellie Oleson in the original series, shared her thoughts on the project. Arngrim stated, "It will be something completely different. It will go back to the very beginning, to the original series of books written in the 1930s by Laura Ingalls Wilder, covering her childhood and youth. I think many of our fans will find it fascinating, and many new fans will learn more about Laura's books and the history of that time in America."
As the anticipation builds, Netflix has promised to reveal more details about the series, including additional cast members. The production is set to begin this year, with a potential release in 2026. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike are eager to see how this beloved story will be reimagined for a new generation.
The original "Little House on the Prairie" series touched the hearts of many families with its themes of perseverance, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. It explored the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, based on her true story, and conveyed messages of hope that continue to resonate today. With the reboot, there is a sense of excitement that the new series will delve deeper into the stories that inspired the original show.
As Melissa Gilbert concluded her Instagram post, she encouraged fans to stay connected for more updates about the reboot. "Stay tuned for more information!" she said, leaving fans eager for what is to come.
With its rich history and a fresh perspective, the new "Little House on the Prairie" promises to be a compelling retelling of a classic story. As audiences await the premiere, the legacy of Laura Ingalls continues to thrive, reminding us all of the enduring power of storytelling.
