Good questions indeed.
But sticking to this particular movie, I can see McConaughey as an allmost-lazy-laid-back, women-ogling, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, speeding-in-someone-ellses-ferrari kind of PI. Sure, why not? I really can.
I do, however, have very big doubts if he can do the iconic laugh and I'm affraid he'll try.

THE big question tho, is this:
Who, in the name beelzebubs pimply bottom, are they gonna get to play Higgins?
The only part possibly more important to get casted right.
I think Brad and I will stand guard as Zeus and Apollo and will tear this thing to shreds as soon as it takes a step in the wrong direction.
Reading his bit again it seems Zeus as allready started to growl.

=; “OH MY GOD!” – Jonathan Higgins

It’s hard to believe that Donald Belisario, Glen Larson and Floyd Johnson would allow Rawson Thurber (&Co) to ignore what loyal Magnum, p.i. fans really want – A SERIOUS SCRIPT WITH TOM SELLECK AND THE REST OF THE ORIGINAL TV SERIES CAST MEMBERS!!

Come on Hollywood..Magnum,p.i. fans are counting on you to make the most of a rare opportunity! The majority of movie goers that would pay to see a Magnum, p.i. movie are baby boomers that really miss the tv series. Nothing would please them more than to again see the characters (aged) of Magnum, Higgins, Rick and TC together on the big screen. A well written script that brings us into the characters lives as they are today(with all the original tv series cast members)would be embraced by Magnum,p.i. fans worldwide! There are actually websites and internet petitions that clearly make the point..”if it doesn’t star Tom Selleck..and all of the original tv series cast members..we won’t go see it!” (an example: Magnum,p.i. thread at FerrariChat.com – 50,000+ members worldwide!)

I personally will only PAY to see a Magnum, p.i. movie that pays tribute to the tv series. (and I most certainly won’t pay to see some ridiculous “Dukes of Hazzard” *@#!) Please don’t let this film become some gross charicature!!

I have been hearing news about this for 5 or 6 years…are we ever going to see this movie begin or are they just dragging the fns along???