The Office remake’s Michael Scott counterpart was “approved” by the show’s original star. The mockumentary sitcom originally began as a British series created by and starring Ricky Gervais as David Brent, the office’s general manager, which ran for two seasons from 2001 to 2003. The American version, adapted for NBC by Greg Daniels, starred Steve Carell as the regional manager Michael Scott, airing for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013. Now, two more remakes of The Office are on the way, including an Australian version starring Felicity Ward as managing director Hannah Howard.
Appearing at Prime Video’s Trailblazers event celebrating women in film and television (via Deadline), Felicity Ward revealed that Ricky Gervais “approved” of her female lead in the Australian version of The Office. Not only did the show’s original creator and star approve, but he was “very excited” about the prospect of a female lead, Ward revealed. Read her full comments below:
Ricky Gervais has approved of a female lead — he’s very excited about a female lead. Just in case anyone is angry.
How Hannah Howard Compares To David Brent & Michael Scott
It’s The First Time The Gender Has Been Changed
In the British version of The Office, Ricky Gervais originated the awful boss character, David Brent. He is both immature and arrogant, but he views himself as a lovable rouge within the business world and a Renaissance man with many talents. While he believes he is humorous, compassionate, and well-respected, those around him find him irritating, tactless, and cringeworthy. His obliviousness to his own incompetence, constant craving for approval, and antics that regularly get him into trouble serve as the central driving force behind the sitcom.
Based on David Brent, Steve Carell starred as Michael Scott in the American version of The Office and arguably created the definitive version of the character. Still, David Brent provided much of the inspiration for Michael Scott, a well-meaning individual whose clueless attempts at humor frequently irritate and offend his employees, and is occasionally reprimanded by his superiors. The Office has been adapted in several different countries with the David Brent character reimagined many times, though the Australian version is the first time the gender was changed. Additionally, Hannah Howard seems more empowering and confident, rather than aggressive or overbearing.
Our Take On Ricky Gervais Approving The Australian Office’s Female Lead
Will More Tune In To Watch?
Though the trailer for the Australian remake of The Office received a negative response, the fact that Ricky Gervais not only approved of the female lead, but is excited about it, could get others on board as well. The problem is that the Australian version premieres October 18 on Prime Video in over 240 countries, though it won’t be available in the United States until a later date. When it does become available in more countries, it will be interesting to see how Hannah Howard is received compared to the previous iterations of the character in The Office.
