The Office Down Under: How the Aussie Remake Differs From Its UK and US Counterparts!
A New Office Manager Arrives in the Australian Remake: Hannah Howard
Get ready for a fresh take on The Office! The Australian version, streaming now on Prime Video (internationally; US release date TBA), stars Felicity Ward as Hannah Howard. This version's already interesting because its central figure is female; creating something totally different from the previous UK and US iterations, which had male leads. And according to Ward herself (in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter), Hannah Howard has unique personality aspects found in both those previous main characters: This doesn’t imply the same type of person! The character is distinctly her own.
In Ward's own words, “I think she is actually quite likable. She’s quite funny. And even though she’s an idiot, it’s very interesting. I think that Hannah is more similar to Michael Scott if you’re going to compare the two. But I feel like the show itself has more space. The British one has lots of scenes of photocopiers, and there’s a lot of the boredom that’s captured to give that sense of mundanity to the audience. I feel like we have lots of that in the show, too. [I don’t know] how much of a conscious choice that was by, you know, the directors and editors and stuff like that. But when I watched it back, that’s what it felt like to me. And then I think that the humor is very, very Australian, but not in an alienating way.”
Comparing Apples and Oranges (and Photocopiers!): The Aussie Twist
Those trailers for the Australian Office already showed a big departure from David Brent (UK) and Michael Scott (US). Ward's comments make the changes even clearer. The character archetypes may remain; the tone changes because its storytelling elements change: The comedic style feels distinctively Australian! The storyline around remote work, corporate pressure and Hannah’s attempt at keeping everything working and keeping her staff employed after potential corporate-level layoffs create a whole new and unpredictable set of dynamics compared to its British and American predecessors, generating exciting new stories that audiences can relate to in ways that its previous titles can’t achieve and is only really understood once audiences actually watch the entire series and its very new storytelling styles!
Pacing and comedic timing might actually feel more aligned to that British style; it’s a great blend of inspirations from the original version with that American sensibility– showing some masterful adaptation which does well, capturing those very same fundamental themes without alienating those who have never seen previous titles while still attracting fans familiar to its storytelling structures.
Felicity Ward's Promise: High Hopes for the Australian The Office
Both the UK and US versions are huge; it is very difficult to compete against such giants. The iconic and highly influential status they achieved made generating excitement towards future sequels especially difficult! However, Ward’s comments? That unique, authentically Australian humor– alone – suggests something exciting is incoming! We're already very excited.
Conclusion: Get Ready for a Fresh Dose of Office Humor
The Australian Office takes what is familiar to many fans, including the same fundamental premises that most fans already recognize, yet it doesn't just mimic. It actually improves it! The female lead, a distinctively Australian perspective, creates a totally new feel for viewers, even attracting long-term fans! A promising change that delivers a fresh twist without sacrificing its heart. The combination of these elements delivers unique story concepts which aren’t really found elsewhere, especially within this kind of series! The wait might be long for those audiences in the United States – we might have to wait some more. But this totally deserves a look. You absolutely should.
