Friends reunion: David Schwimmer says special could film next month

Special was originally planned for May before the pandemic forced a postponement

Friends star David Schwimmer has said that the much-anticipated reunion special for the sitcom could begin filming next month.

The actor, who played Ross Geller in the hit 1990s comedy, said the episode’s production would be dependent on safety amid changing coronavirus guidelines.

Speaking on Jimmy Fallon’s US talk show, Schwimmer also said that the special would include “surprise bits”.

The reunion special is unscripted, and will debut in the US on HBO Max. It has not been confirmed when, or on which channel, the reunion will air in the UK.

Schwimmer said: ”It’s supposed to happen maybe in August, the middle of August, but honestly we’re going to wait and see another week or two if we all determine it’s really safe enough to do. And if not, then we’ll wait until it’s safe.”

The special was originally scheduled to be broadcast in May, before production was postponed due to the pandemic.

On The Tonight Show, Schwimmer also explained how he had initially turned down the chance to appear on Friends after a negative experience with a TV series beforehand.

However, the involvement of Cheers and Taxi veteran James Burrows, as well as the revelation that Ross’s character was specifically inspired by himself, prompted a change of heart.