The TV adaptation of the movie ‘Time Bandits’ has been in development at Apple since 2019. The much-awaited series is being co-written, directed, and produced by Taika Waititi(Thor Ragnarok). The series has been described as a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd (Tuck). In a piece of great news to fans, the makers have come up with an important update: ‘Friends’ star Lisa Kudrow has been roped in to play the lead role!
Joining Kudrow as series regulars are Kal-El Tuck (Unseeing Evil), Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up), Tadhg Murphy (Conversations With Friends), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (You Don’t Know Me), Rune Temte (Eddie the Eagle), Kiera Thompson (Martyrs Lane), and Rachel House (Heartbreak High). Kudrow plays Penelope; Tuck portrays Kevin; Yi is Judy; Murphy plays Alto; Nsengiyumva is Widgit; Temte portrays Bittelig; Thompson plays Saffron and House is Fianna.
The original 1981 film followed the time-traveling adventures of an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin who, one night, stumbles on six dwarfs who emerge from his closet. They are former workers of the Supreme Being who have stolen a map that charts all the holes in the space-time fabric, using it to hop from one historical era to the next to steal riches.
Looking at the track record of Apple TV+, it is safe to say the series is in good hands. With an ensemble cast and crew on board, the expectations for this series are sky-high. Lisa Kudrow’s inclusion just took it higher. Though Kudrow has had many appearances on TV and in movies including the recent ‘Friends: Reunion’, this will be her big role as the lead in some time. Waititi’s last venture was MCU’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale.
Waititi will direct the first two episodes of the 10-episode series, co-produced by Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content’s AC Studios, and MRC Television. Let’s hope the series will give justice to the legacy of the original and be the next gem to come out of Apple TV+.
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