Friends: How It Should Be Re-Cast In 2021
A new generation's Rachel Green is...
It has been 27 years since Friends first hit our screens, with the show remaining as popular today as ever. The cast reunion earlier in 2021 gathered a lot of hype, and highlighted the fact that people are still in love with this particular group of New York misfits.
Talks of a reboot have been toyed with over the last decade, with fans of the show wondering what it might look like in a modern setting.
One rule which I have set in place is that each cast member must fit the characteristics of their original counterparts. I.e. each cast member in the modern re-casting is in their early 20s, and American-born. Also, whilst they're recognised, we can't have anyone who's a major household name just yet.
One major change that a new-age Friends would make is that there would be more of a focus on the characters' backstories, delving a little deeper into the roots of each Friend to learn more about them as a person.
In 2021, people are more forward-thinking than ever, and providing audiences with an opportunity to learn more about the characters' lives would help them resonate much more in a modern world.
10. Honourable Mention: Paul Rudd Returns As Mike Hannigan
First of all, an honourable mention.
We all remember Paul Rudd as Phoebe's lovable, albeit sometimes goofy boyfriend that first appeared the penultimate season of Friends. Mike Hannigan was found by pure chance when Joey told Phoebe that he would set her up with an "old friend called Mike".
In a modern-day reboot of Friends, it would be a good reference for die-hard fans of the original show to have Paul Rudd reprise his role as 'Crap Bag'.
We all know that Rudd is seemingly incapable of ageing, as he looks almost identical at 51 as he did in his early thirties. To cast the Ant-Man star in his original role would be a perfect nod to fans of the show, demonstrating the fact that Rudd is excellent in any role he takes on.
His re-appearance would certainly excite Friends fans and it would allow for viewers new and old to have a connection with a rebooted, 21st century adaptation of the series.