A BIDDING war could break out between Channel 4 and the streaming giants after a reboot of The Inbetweeners took a step nearer.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the E4 show’s creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley have struck a new deal with production company Banijay UK which could lead to the four schoolmates reunited for more adventures.
All four of its lead stars are said to be keen for its return[/caption]
A new series or movie, which could be made and ready to air as early as next year, would be highly sought after and industry experts believe it may turn into a free for all.
Among those who could make a big-money bid might be Netflix who were already in the frame to snap up the farewell Christmas special of Gavin & Stacey before the BBC insisted they air it.
Meanwhile, the current head of content at Disney+, Angela Jain, might also be in the market for the reboot because she originally commissioned the coming-of-age comedy when it launched on Channel 4 in 2008.
Steven D Wright, TV producer and former Channel 4 entertainment commissioner, said: “The Inbetweeners is a guaranteed hit so there should be a bidding war between Channel 4 and streamers.
“The comedy of boys being idiots hasn’t aged over 20 years. It’s cast-iron telly gold and delivers the audience streamers want – the over-45s but also teenagers.
The big question is whether the streamers would allow some of the language that appeared in the original.
Wright said: “The Inbetweeners pushed the boundaries of taste and decency. Would Disney let the characters say ‘clunge’?”
The Sun exclusively revealed that The Inbetweeners is poised to return – with all four stars keen to reunite.
Creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh, friends)”.
Actor Joe Thomas, 41, who played Simon said last year that the four main stars would all be keen to reboot the show.
Asked if conversations for a comeback had started, he said: “Yes, it’s happened in various forms.
“All of us feel it would be nice to do.”
He said all were still good mates and told a podcast: “We’re all still around.
“We’re all still in each other’s lives. We all still like each other.
“And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.”
