Gunther from FRIENDS is spilling the beans (and I don't mean unground Jamaican coffee):
There is a FRIENDS movie in the works.
Maybe.
According to the LA TImes "The Dish Rag" column (see below), it may be in theaters Summer 2011. FRIENDS producer Marta Kauffman is stealing a page from the SEX AND THE CITY handbook, and taking their beloved characters to the big screen.
Frankly, I'm happy about this. Every now and again I catch FRIENDS reruns, and they still make me smile, and often laugh out loud.
The biggest issue they have, which was not faced by the SATC gang, is whether sitcom (as opposed to dramady) characters can be given the depth needed on the big screen
I'm guessing it can: that is, IF the script is GOOD.
Every one of that gang was better than his or her material -- and I can easily see how such empathetic characters, given the history they have with their audience, can do well in an extended format of 110 minutes or less.
As always, it's all in the writing,
—Josie
Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives
Simon & Schuster/Pocket
Look for it in bookstores
September 2010
LA Times / The Dish Rag / September 28, 2009
Is there a 'Friends' film in the works? And are all the show's stars on board?
Will there be a movie version of "Friends"?
Could be. A former "Friends" cast mate has reportedly spilled the beans that a film version of NBC's hit TV series is in the works.
There's been no official confirmation (or denial) yet.
But after the success of "Sex and the City: The Movie" -- now shooting the second installment -- and the excitement about the "Seinfeld" reunion on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," this makes sense now.
James Michael Tyler told Britain’s News of the World newspaper, “I still keep in touch with a lot of the cast and they say that they are really keen. I am definitely on board to do the film."
The economy is still in the tank and several "Friends" stars' film careers never got off the ground -- with the exception of Jennifer Aniston -- so it's possible that the cast may be open to it now.
Remember, movie production is tight in Hollywood right now. This could be their only film for a few years.
Find out what could have happened to our favorite friends.
Here's a look at what the friends have been doing:
David Schwimmer has done a bit of London theater after his small role in "Band of Brothers." He also directed the 2007 British film "Run Fat Boy Run." Who knew?
For the most part, Jennifer Aniston's films have been commercial successes. She's doing better than her pals.
No one dug Courteney Cox's now-canceled "Dirt." She's trying again with "Cougar Town" on TV and should be in "Scream 4," so she knows the value of a redux.
Lisa Kudrow's film career is smaller and more indie, but she's still kicking, having played a mom in Summit Entertainment's "Bandslam."
Matt LeBlanc had that flop TV comedy "Joey." Has he done anything else? He's gotta be about ready for "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here."
Matthew Perry starred in Aaron Sorkin's critically hailed "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." But it was canceled after one season. Last time we saw him, he was really good as older Zac Efron in "17 Again." For about five minutes.
What do you think should happen in "Friends: The Movie?"
Should Ross and Rachel get/stay together?
Will Phoebe announce she's a lesbian and become a street person living in Venice?
Will Joey develop early onset Alzheimer's? Hey, someone has to have a disease or where are the sad scenes?
Will Chandler and Monica's perfect kids rob houses in their upscale hood for crack money and get sent to juvenile prison?
We'd like to see Monica struggle with losing baby weight and end up looking as heavy as she did in high school.
Your suggestions?
Photo credit: Getty Images
Posted by Elizabeth Snead on September 28, 2009