Lisa Kudrow Joins Taika Waititi's Upcoming 'Time Bandits' Reboot for Apple TV+

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that actressLisa Kudrow, best known for her work as Phoebe Buffay on NBC's iconic television series "Friends," has joined the cast of the upcoming "Time Bandits" television reboot for Apple TV+. The new series is in the works by "Jojo Rabbit" and "Thor: Love and Thunder" filmmaker Taika Waititi.

The new series will be a television adaptation of the classic 1981 film directed by Terry Gilliam.

Kudrow joins the cast opposite Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi ("Knocked Up," "Twin Peaks: The Return"), Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte ("Captain Marvel"), Kiera Thompson, and Rachel House ("Thor: Ragnarok," "Soul").

The new series is currently in the works from Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content's AC Studios, and MRC Television. Waititi is executive producing the series along with longtime collaborator Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Garrett Basch, along with Handmade Films, the producer of the 1981 original film.

Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content’s AC Studios, and MRC Television are producing Time Bandits. Waititi executive produces with frequent collaborator Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Garrett Basch along with Handmade Films, which produced Gilliam’s 1981 original movie.

THR reports that Apple started developing a remake of the classic fantasy adventure movie in 2019. In the movie, a young boy is wrapped up in an adventure with a ragtag group of thieves in a journey across time and space.

It's not yet been reported what role Waititi has in mind for Kudrow in the cast. Tuck is set to portray the role of the male lead for the update. Meanwhile, Waititi will executive produce and co-write the series. He's also attached to direct the first two episodes.

Waititi, besides his work as a major film director, is keeping busy with TV projects as of late. He's also the executive producer on FX's adaptation of "What We Do in the Shadows," "Reservation Dogs," and HBO Max's "Our Flag Means Death." FX recently renewed "Reservation Dogs" for a third season, which will stream exclusively on Hulu next year.

Kudrow also reunited with her "Friends" costars last year for the "Friends: The Reunion" special, which debuted on HBO Max in May 2021. The reunion special received four Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded). It was the first time the whole cast was back together in 17 years.

Kudrow recently appeared in "Space Force," "Feel Good," and "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix. She also voices the character "Honey" on FOX's "Housebroken." She also appeared in the recent films "Like a Boss" and Disney's "Better Nate Than Never."

Also, speaking of revivals of beloved properties, Kudrow might soon reunite with her "Romy and Michele" costar Mira Sorvino for a long-awaited followup to their 1997 film, "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion." During an appearance on TODAY earlier this summer, Sorvino stated, "I can unofficially hint that we are closer than we've ever been to getting something to ever happen." 

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Waititi's "Time Bandits" is currently in the works for Apple TV+. The show does not yet have an official launch date.