Felicity Ward Defends The Office Australia Reboot

The Australian reboot of The Office, featuring Felicity Ward as the first female lead playing Hannah Howard, has encountered considerable backlash from fans of the original UK and US versions. Ward acknowledges the skepticism surrounding remakes and urges viewers to watch the show before passing judgment, reflecting on similar criticisms faced by previous adaptations. Despite the negative comments labeling the trailer as 'cringe' and unfunny, she emphasizes that every adaptation is its own entity and deserves a chance. Ward also highlights the pressures women face in comedy, noting that female comedians often encounter higher scrutiny than their male counterparts. The show, set to premiere on October 18, aims to reflect Australian culture while maintaining the comedic essence of The Office. Ultimately, Ward encourages open-mindedness, stating that viewers can form their opinions after watching the series.