British actor Simon Bird, known for his role in “The Inbetweeners,” has said the possibility of a revival for the beloved Channel 4 comedy as being unlikely. The show, which enjoyed three series and two subsequent movies, concluded its run in 2010 and has since gained a cult following.
In an interview with Radio Times, the 38-year-old actor expressed skepticism about the idea of bringing the show back, deeming it a “terrible idea.” He elaborated, stating that the humour of the characters was intrinsically tied to the particular life stage they were navigating. Bird contended that reuniting the characters in their current circumstances might lack the comedic appeal, possibly leaning towards a more somber and unsettling tone.
“If they got back together now, I’m not sure that would be funny. I think it might just be sort of sad and creepy,” he added. The actor has repeatedly stated that he would not be returning his to his role of ‘briefcase w**ker’ Will McKenzie.
Fellow cast mates Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison and James Buckley and have all echoed similar opinions. When asked about another series, Simon previously told The Guardian: “It’s a hard no, I’m afraid. It just wouldn’t be the show people want or remember. Much better to leave it as a happy memory. Cut to us all doing a third film for Netflix next year … Anything’s possible. Honestly, you can’t trust a single word I’ve said in this interview. It’s all filler, no killer.”
Since The Inbetweeners, the actor has gone on to enjoy success with the long running comedy series Friday Night Dinner in addition to several films. This year saw the release of the sitcom Everyone Burns starring Bird which depicts the life of an everyday Manchester family who belong to an ultra-religious order. It was renewed for a second series in May.