Update: More details have emerged which answer some crucial questions surrounding casting and the plot of the show.
Sources have confirmed that Aussie actress Felicity Ward will lead the show as Hannah Howard, who is Australia’s Michael Scott.
She will lead a packing company called Finley Craddick, when she gets word from head office that her branch is shutting down and everyone will be working from home, which sends Hannah (Felicity Ward) into a spin so she goes into survival mode and begins making promises she ultimately can’t keep in order to keep her workplace together.
Ricky Gervais the co-creator, co-writer, and star of The Office UK, said, “I’m very excited about Australia remaking my little show from the turn of the century. Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so I can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing one of the biggest comedy franchises ever made to Prime Video customers in Australia and around the world,” said Sarah Christie, senior development executive of Prime Video Australia.
“It is an honour to continue the international comedy legacy of The Office locally while introducing new, quintessentially Australian characters. We can’t wait for audiences to meet Hannah Howard, the first female boss The Office format has explored.”
It’s official, The Office is coming down under!
We’ve got so many questions like, who’s going to be the next Michael Scott and how could you ever top the Jim and Pam’s epic love story?
According to the Daily Telegraph, industry sources have said the the delusional manager, formerly Michael Scott and David Brent in the UK version, will be played by a female comedy star.
Big Aussie names such as Magda Szubanski, Celia Pacquola, Kitty Flanagan and Judith Lucy have all been ruled out for the role, however Isla Fischer has been rumoured to take up the role.
The shows producers also allegedly looked across the ditch to New Zealand to potential candidates for the prized role.
As for other cast members, names like Jim Jeffries and Rachael Griffiths have also been floated as potential cast members.
The Aussie version is being produced by Bunya Productions and is expected to be released on Amazon Prime.
Watch this space for further updates.