Could a US version of Only Fools and Horses work?
US Del-Boy Steve Carrell
The last few days the web has been saturated with discussions on news of a US version of Only Fools and Horses. This was initiated by Steve Carrell. He revealed that he would love to become a US Del Boy Trotter and the show could be huge hit on the other side of the Atlantic.
Steve Carrell has already made a huge success out of a US version of UK Comedy. He played Ricky Gervais’ role in the US version of ‘The Office’. They said that would never work and Carrell proved that with enough tweaking to the characters and script, it could work.
Could it really make sense?
Initially you have to say no. The depth of Sullivans writing is embedded in years of culture and history. The Cockney slang and french phrases are all part of the humor. But having said that, the same could be said for The Office. A very British humor and a cringey boss that could only ever exist in a Brtish work place.
Carrell said: “That is my dream role. The British do sitcoms better than anybody else in the world. I think with the right scriptwriters and cast we could do ‘Only Fools and Horses’ justice.”
So who else would star in the remake?
While Carrell would like the role of wheeler-dealer Del, he thinks Ricky would be perfect for the part The Nag’s Head landlord Mike.
He said: “If anybody wants to help me do a remake I’d love it – with Ricky as Mike the barman.”
He would also wants Paul Rudd as Del’s brother Rodney, Vince Vaughn as Boyce and Ben Stiller to play Grandad.
Maybe the Americans are changeing and begining to understand the sarcasm and subtleties that exist in British comedy.Would it really be Only Fools and Horses? Either way i’m open to your thoughts below.
Interesting thought
If Carrell is so up for it he must think it will work
Is John Sullivan OK with it
Didn’t he try and make a go of it with Miami Twice and they really couldn’t get it?
Back in the 90′s there was a sketch on a comedy show which was a take on an American Only Fools, all the cast were played as American sitcom characters save Rodney who was as he is here. I think Matt Lucas was Del and David Walliams was Rodney but it could have been ‘Armstrong and Miller’ or ‘Big Train’ I’ve been looking on You Tube nad can’t find it.
Yes, to a US version no to Steve Carell, he isn’t deep enough.
People like Del do exist everywhere and the Chelsea projects in Manhattan would be a perfect replacement for Peckham on the edge there is even an English style pub which would work as a Nags Head. However these things work when like ‘The Office’ and ‘Sanford and Son (the US version of Steptoe) ‘ the US show is influenced by the original rather than a straight remake like ‘Porridge’ was as ‘On the Rocks’ that way the characters can grow. The US version of ‘Dear John’ wasn’t that bad.
Jerry not Ben Stiller as Granddad could work although I’d go for John Mahoney.
only fools and horses goes trans atlantic? i dont think so it wouldnt work and u need someone older to play grandad not ben stiller who is only 44 lol. and dont put ricky gervais in it either. steve carrell if your reading this think this through a bit better lol
As an AMERICAN I have NO interest in a US Version. Steve Carell couldn’t shine the Golden “D” around David Jason’s neck. I would be MUCH MORE interested in Region 1 DVDs of GREEN GREEN GRASS and ROCK & CHIPS ! ! ! !