Like it or loathe it, there's no denying that NBC's Friends was a television phenomenon. Groups of television viewers would gather around the boob tube each Thursday night from 1994 to 2004, wondering whether Rachel and Ross would ever get together (spoiler: They do!), what stupid thing Joey will say ('cause he's a model!), and what quirky song Phoebe would sing next (I hope it's about a cat!).
Rumors of a Friends movie have popped up ever since the show went off the air in 2004, but none have been stronger than those that surfaced today. Several UK sites today are reporting that the ball is once again rolling to get a Friends movie into production, with most pointing toward the recent success of the Sex and the City film as the catalyst (over $130 million domestically at the box office will change a studio executive's mind).
Citing "insiders," The Daily Mail says a Friends movie will hit theaters within the next 18 months and will reunite all six main members of the cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matthew Perry.
Apparently Aniston, once believed to be "too famous" to reprise her role as Rachel, is leading the charge in getting the movie made.
One source, who evidently believes he/she has a full grasp on Jennifer Aniston's psyche, speculates, "As the biggest star of the Friends franchise, Jennifer can't help but look at what's happened with Sarah Jessica Parker and the Sex and the City film and be a little jealous."
Another UK site, ContactMusic, is reporting that the main cast members could stand to get some serious cash from the movie--upwards of $19 million each.
And so it begins--the march of comedy hits to the big screen because Sex and the City surprised everyone at the box office. Personally, I have my fingers crossed for an epic four-hour big-screen version of Caroline in the City.
Comments (72)
Gotta be one of the best ideas I have heard of a TV show being made into a big screen movie. I hope the rumor is actually true!
I don't like Sex and the City so I didn't see the movie. But I did really like Friends so I would see the movie. Hope they do it well.
I reckon that if they do the movie right, it could be huge. Also, some news, Jennifer Aniston is urging movie bosses to make a friends movie before the cast gets too old (18th Dec 08).If they dont do a movie, can they at least do another season? or a few special episodes?-there would be a huge response to something like that.
omg i always thought there would be one!! i hope it comes through!
I loved Friends from the time it ended till now, and I hope there is a Friends movie, but the problem is...what do they base it on? Also, I honestly think that if this movie is made, and you go see it and like it, then and only then can you call yourself a true fan.
One part of me, think wow! Finally. But another part of me thinks what if it turns out terrible? Will I loose all my respect for friends? What if it turns out worse. Thats what Im worried of! Friends finished PERFECTLY and i hardly dont use the word perfect. It would work if they lived outside NY and joey.. they would just meet up for thanksgiving I suppose. Maybe just one episode on tv would be GREAT, but on big screen? hmm. I would DEFENTLY watch it. But, I wouldnt be shocked if everyone gave the movie 10/10, because the writers are superb, could you sit there 24/7 trying to think of funny lines, a fab story plot, for 10 years, they made it phenomenal (cant spell). In drama at school, I had to write a script, using friends with ideas, I tried to make it "funny" and boy did everyone laugh. But that was me and the whole group. I would really love this, however if it turns out CRAP i dont think I could see friends the same way. Like i said, if its a brilliant movie, I wouldnt actually be suprised! :)moreless
I wasn't a real fan of Sex and the City, and I didn't take the pains to go see the movie...but I am extremely happy that it finally LOOKS like they're shooting a reunion.
We finally (hopefully) get to see the happy Bing's...:O, Phoebe and Mike's marriage life, Joey's actingcareer and R&R's relationship...I was so happy that for a second I forgot about my other favourite tv-show Bones...:P
I loved there show it would be good to see a movie asout the the friends have done Monica and Chandler and the baby. Joey how is his career doing Feebee how she did with her life and yes is Ross and Rachel still together are they doing well
This is something what all FRIENDS fans have been waiting for. I seriously hope this one works. There would be nothing bigger than seeing the fantastic six back on Screen together.And i'm sure all you people who are criticizing the reunion would be the first ones to go to the movies and watch it.
Oh God, please just a new few moments of Friends will make my year
There have been so many rumours about there being a Friends movie that I've lost all hope in it actually happening now
Although I guess it'll be nice to see one, only because I want to see how Mon&Chan handle the twins, what Emma's like, and whether Joey is in a proper relationship yet.
I sincerely hope this never materializes.
It's already been debunked. Stop being so gullible!
YEA! That's a good idea. I know a lot of people are worried that it'll be bad, but if they bring back the same writers and cast, it could be really great. Just like Sex and the City, fans of the series would really love it.
I don't know about this. Don't get me wrong, I love Friends (one of my fave shows) but do they really want to risk the chance of going from one of the best sitcoms to, the one that wouldn't give up, even when people begged them to stop! I didn't say that too well but...yeah. I of course will watch it but I don't want them ruining anything. And for the record Jennifer Aniston is not "jealous" of Sarah Jessica Parker (unless she said she was then never mind)18 months is a long time to wait. I think they should just make a season 11 of FRIENDS and pretend they never left! Who's with me!
I don't know what to think about this...A part of me is really interested to see what will happen and another part is afraid that it won't fulfill my expectations. Anyway if this is true than as a true fan I wish writters good luck since this is a very demanding project.
if the movies catches the flair of the show, i would be happy. but i will watch it anyway ;)let's see if this is a rumour
Sad day for movie goers.
it would be great to see but probable not turn out to be a good film, also how would it work doesn't monica and chandler live outside of new york and joey lives in hollywood how would they all meet is want i want to know.
Not suprised.
Unfortunately, it's not true.
What? No Mad About You movie?!
If they do make it, it'll be long-winded, annoying, and mushy... Just like Ross!
I've always thought that they should do a reunion show but a movie on the big screen would be fricken awesome I really, really, really hope that they do this.
The jokes are still funny; I tell you this shows a cult comedy.
It would be cool to see what the gangs been up to five or whatever years they set it at. I wonder if Ross and Rachel did stay together and who all the children look like. Not that I haven't thought about it much before. (Is it just me or does that sounds like something Chandler would say?)
AWESOME
That's great news - lets hope they will do it.
Best news I heard all day come on I hope it happens :D
Warner Bros' director of publicity in the UK, Jayne Trotman, said there was "no truth in the story".
still not sure about the whole thing but if it does happen its going to be huge
THAT WOULD BE THE MOST AMAZING THING TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS!!!
It'd be AWESOME! if the Friends Film were to become a reality!
Caroline in the City!! My goodness!!! I haven't thought about that monstrsity for a long time. I enjoyed for about 5 minutes. However, a Friends movies would be really intriguing. I heard that it was actually Jennifer who was holding up production..... We shall see
AWESOME!
I'm so glad about this news, it'll be great to see them all together again!
i dont think that a movie is needed, all of the loose ends were tied up, still if they actually did the movie i would deff. watch it.
We have had 10 years of Friends that ended 4 years ago. It sucked then and it will suck now.
Definitely do NOT need a Friends movie.
I would love to see it happen. Although, like someone else said, without a laugh track it would be kinda weird.....or maybe not, I dunno.
I really hope this happens, but I remain skeptical. However, the figure of 19 million each seems pretty accurate, contrary to what some might say. That would make 120 million for the main cast, so maybe a 200 million budget max. That may seem like a lot compared to Sex's domestic take so far at 130 million. However, Friends was infinitely more popular so it would make more domestically. More importantly, as popular as Friends was in the US, it was even more popular in other countries (UK especially), so the worldwide take would be huge. Most significantly, DVD sales would be through the roof. You can't only look at the domestic box office to determine profits. The real money is in international box office and DVD sales. Profitability here is unquestionable, so hopefully everyone will sign on.Oh, and Jennifer Aniston was #17 on Forbes Celebrity this year (3rd highest ranked actress), so she's not exactly chump change with 8-10 mil per film. And David Schwimmer (Ross) has actually been up to quite a bit, from running his own theatre company in Chicago to directing Run Fatboy Run to voicing a character in multiple Madagascar movies.moreless
I really hope this film is a go! Although like its been said within these comments, without studio laughter I don't know if it would be as funny. The studio laughter seemed to encourage laughing.. HmmmAlso found a fault"what stupid thing Joey will say ('cause he's a model!)"He's an actor not a model, dunno about in real life. But in the show he's definitely an actor.
When was the last time we saw Jennifer Aniston in a movie? Answer, the real reason Jennifer Aniston would be leading the charge for a movie. Let's be honest, many liked the show, but these people weren't all that great by themselves. Many more people talked about JA's movies, but I'm pretty sure Courtney Cox and her appearances in "Scream" did better in the box office. even Lisa Kudrow did a movie with Hillary Swank.
ca ching times a billion!Do we really need a Friends movie? Probably not.Will I go see it? Yes of course I will. :D
I don't know how to feel about this, I love Friends but how would they make a movie out of the show, would they just start from scratch or the start of the show or will they make the movie based on the ending of the show????. So until thoose questions are answered for me then I'll decide if I want to see it.
This sounds good, but just doesn't add up. If they are getting 19-20 million each, then that is 120 million dollars right there on 6 peoples salary. Add in the other costs and it doesn't make sense to me.
i would see this!!! i love them...and i loved joey too i know im not alone here lol..
Great news to hear today, hopefully it will happen in the near future would be a massive success if it did and i think they know it as well.
Hope this rumor turns into reality. :)I was bummed when "Friends" went off the air, and a big screen movie would be amazing!Not sure what the storyline would be, simply because the show ended so well, but whatever, even if the storyline was crap, that wouldn't stop me from seeing my 6 'Friends' again. :)
I am sorry, Jennifer Aniston is to famous to reprise her role.
Sorry, she was married to Brad Pitt, name one film of hers that was actually any good.
Yay!! I hope this happens...i'm glad sex and the city came out...it can pave the way for lots of other shows to finish up their storylines...or even make the endings better. With the amount of viewers that tuned in on the series finale, you can't help but wonder how many will show at the movie. If all those people show plus the new fans (like myself) that got caught up in the show after it stopped airing, they could all stand to make a huge amount of money. It would only be friends if all 6 stars are back w/ the right supporting cast like monica and ross' parents and mike, phoebe's husband (and the same people were playing them). And the other thing i would look for would be for the original writers to write this movie b/c it wouldn't be as zany or crazy if it wasn't written by them.moreless