A remake of the beloved sitcom The Office is happening.
Per Deadline, Prime Video Australia is developing a new series based on the ever-popular show that originated in the United Kingdom before eventually making its way to the United States. Stand-up comic Felicity Ward will star as the boss of the remake, taking over the role created by Ricky Gervais as David Brent and then popularized by Steven Carell's Michael Scott. Per the description, Ward, as Hannah Howard, will be awkwardly leading her branch of packaging company Flinley Craddick. Her position is compromised after head office shuts down the branch and orders all employees to work from home, a move that sends Hannah into panic mode.
"I’m very excited about Australia remaking my little show from the turn of the century. Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent," said Gervais, who created the original series in 2001 with his long-time collaborator Stephen Merchant.
"We are thrilled to be bringing one of the biggest comedy franchises ever made to Prime Video customers in Australia and around the world," said Sarah Christie, Senior Development Executive Prime Video Australia. "It is an honor to continue the international comedy legacy of The Office locally while introducing new, quintessentially Australian characters. We can’t wait for audiences to meet Hannah Howard, the first female boss The Office format has explored."
The Office's Legacy
While the United States' version of The Office has gained a great deal of intention in the years since it concluded, helped in no small part by the show's addition to Netflix, the original U.K. iteration is still held up as a quintessential viewing for fans of British comedy. The show largely follows the daily lives of a group of employees working in the titular office as they navigate the ups and downs of workplace dynamics, friendship and love.
Given the US Office's popularity, many have questioned the potential behind a reboot or remake. Showrunner Greg Daniels has previously noted that a return to Scranton isn't entirely off the cards but he does have one condition. "It’s not impossible for sure," he said. "I would want to be involved, and I’ve got two other shows I’m working on right now."
All nine seasons of the US Office can be found on Peacock while the UK version can be streamed on Prime Video.
Source: Deadline