In a recent interview with SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, Emmy-nominated actor David Schwimmer finally reveals a new update on HBO Max’s long-awaited Friends reunion. He confirmed that special is still happening and will be finally be able to begin filming soon in Los Angeles. In addition, when asked if the rumors about Ellen DeGeneres hosting the reunion were true, Schwimmer immediately debunked it. However, he did tease that he knows who will be host but just doesn’t know if he’s allowed to reveal it.
“Actually, in a little over a month I’m heading out to L.A.,” Schwimmer said. “So, finally, I mean, we figured out a way to film it safely and there’s going to be a portion of it that we filmed outside because of, you know, for safety protocols.”
The highly-anticipated Friends reunion was actually the first special that HBO Max had announced right before their launched. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the filming was delayed twice last year. Because of the delay, two other TV reunions had happened ahead of it including the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and West Wing specials which are now available for streaming on HBO Max.
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Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends had lasted over ten seasons from 1994-2004 which followed the story of six friends who lived in New York City. Even though 25 years had passed since its debut, the 62-time Emmy Award-nominated series stood the test of time and is still garnered as one of the best TV series of all time and had also become a pop culture phenomenon known to all ages.
The long-awaited reunion special will be featuring Jennifer Aniston Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc, who have portrayed the roles of Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Ross, Chandler and Joey. Each of the beloved cast members will reportedly earned $3 million – $4 million for the special.
The unscripted Friends reunion special will be directed by Ben Winston, who will also serve as an executive producer along with the original producers Kevin Bright, Kauffman and Crane. The six core stars will also executive produce alongside Emma Conway and James Longman.
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It was previously reported that WarnerMedia had successfully won back the exclusive streaming rights for all 10 seasons of Friends for price of $425 million. According to a previous report, it was Warner Media Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt, who was responsible for pushing to develop a Friends reunion special.
Originally set to become a part of the streaming service’s launch last year, the special will be filmed on the iconic show’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank.
