The Friends Reunion will have to wait even longer than anticipated. While the show was already delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company said that no taping was done before the coronavirus outbreak hit. Friends isn’t the only show hit by the pandemic. Movies and TV shows have been delayed or canceled due to the quarantine situation.
The Friends special was due to begin filming on March 23-24 before the coronavirus hit. Streaming service HBO Max was to launch with the special as its lead attraction. This reunion special would have marked the first time Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer have reunited for filming in more than 15 years. However, Friends fans would be glad to know that the special has not been canceled. There is no set date when production will resume but it seems like the reunion special is still happening.
HBO said in a statement: “We want to share some background information about the production dates for the upcoming unscripted Friends reunion special for HBO Max. As was previously reported, production is delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the special will not be available on the streamer on Day 1 of launch. But it is coming!”
“The cast and producers are all very excited to go into production, as this will be the first time since the show ended that the whole cast will be together, and on the original sets to reminisce. There are loads of great surprises in store and lots of rare behind-the-scenes footage they are eager to share. We will keep you informed as plans solidify and once we have a firm premiere date.”
HBO also revealed that the stars will play themselves and not their Friends characters for the reunion.
“Lastly, in order to avoid any misunderstanding about what this special is, we want to make it very clear that this is not a new, original episode of the series. The cast will be appearing as themselves, not as their beloved characters.”
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