New Female Lead in “The Office” Australia
More than 20 years after British comedian Ricky Gervais made insufferable manager David Brent world famous, an Australian version of the hit show “The Office” is being made, this time with a female lead.
Australian comedian Felicity Ward will play Hannah Howard, CEO of the packaging company Flinley Craddick, the Australian version of Brent, known as Michael Scott in the hit American series, according to the British BBC.
Since its premiere in 2001, “The Office” has won multiple awards and has inspired local versions in countries like Chile, Israel, India and Poland. The Australian series is the thirteenth adaptation and the first starring a woman.
Introducing Felicity Ward as the Boss:
According to a press release, the eight-part series follows Ward’s character, who goes into “survival mode” when the company’s headquarters closes its branch, forcing everyone to work from home. Ward is known for her appearances on Australian comedy shows and quiz shows, as well as the TV miniseries “Wakefield” and the movie “The Inbetweeners 2.” She has also performed at comedy festivals and tweeted Thursday that she had been keeping up with secret his new role.
Production Details:
The Australian edition is co-produced by BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, Bunya Entertainment and Amazon Studios. Production begins in Sydney in June and shooting is expected to last eight weeks.
Gervais Excited About Australian Version:
In a statement, Gervais, co-creator of ” The Office” along with Stephen Merchant, was enthusiastic about the Australian version. “Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so I’m looking forward to seeing how a modern David Brent pans out,” he said.
With previous successful adaptations of the hit series around the world, BBC Studios ANZ Managing Director and Creative Production Kylie Washington said now “it’s Australia’s turn.”
“We can’t wait for audiences to discover the hilarious flaws that rules his packaging empire at The Office Australia,” he said.
The new series will air in 240 countries from 2024.
