Felicity Ward brings a fresh twist to “The Office” with Ricky Gervais’ blessing

A new era for “The Office” with a female lead

Felicity Ward, the star of Australia’s upcoming adaptation of “The Office,” has assured fans that her casting has the personal approval of Ricky Gervais. During the Prime Video Presents: Trailblazers event in London, Ward humorously noted, “Ricky Gervais has approved a female lead, he’s very excited about a female lead — just in case anyone is angry.”

Anticipation builds for the release

As the show gears up for its release on Prime Video in Australia and the U.K. on October 18, Ward shared her thoughts with a touch of humor: “Pretty chill actually. English people and people that love ‘The Office,’ they’re like, ‘Hey, whatever you do with it is fine.'”

Meet Hannah Howard: The new boss in town

Ward is set to portray Hannah Howard, the manager of Sydney-based box company Flinley Craddick, in a gender-flipped version of Gervais’ iconic character, David Brent. This fresh take promises to bring a new dynamic to the beloved series.

Embracing the role with authenticity

Ward candidly discussed her approach to the role, saying, “I did zero preparation, because I read the script and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this is every annoying part of my personality.’ I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.” She added, “It was just all in the script. And I don’t know if it’s [showrunner] Julie De Fina… I don’t know how much she had seen of me before, but it was as if she just, like, got the tapes and then edited out the charm and the bits that people liked and then just wrote a character, so it’s just there.”

A sneak peek into the cringe-worthy moments

During the event, the audience was treated to a sneak peek of the series, featuring Ward’s Howard hula hooping in the office and accidentally hitting someone on the head mid-hoop. Another scene showed her bringing up the ‘mile high club’ during a team-building exercise on boundaries. Reflecting on these moments, Ward shared, “It’s very strange playing a character where you’re supposed to make people cringe because you watch it like, urgh, that’s the design.”

Technical analysis: A fresh perspective on a classic

The decision to cast a female lead in the adaptation of “The Office” is a bold move that aligns with current industry trends towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling. By flipping the gender of the main character, the show not only pays homage to the original but also offers a fresh perspective that can resonate with a broader audience. This approach can potentially attract new viewers while retaining the charm that made the original series a cult favorite.

Industry reflections: The evolution of comedy

The evolution of comedy series like “The Office” reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry. There is a growing recognition of the importance of diverse representation and the need to challenge traditional gender roles. This adaptation is a testament to how classic formats can be reimagined to stay relevant and engaging in today’s cultural landscape.

Trust in the adaptation

With Ricky Gervais’ endorsement and Felicity Ward’s authentic portrayal, fans can trust that this adaptation will honor the spirit of the original while bringing something new to the table. The creative team behind the series has demonstrated a deep understanding of what made the original “The Office” a success, ensuring that this new version will be both familiar and refreshingly different.

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