Classic sitcom Fawlty Towers is set to be rebooted by John Cleese and his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
The Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor, who starred in the original series as irascible hotel owner Basil Fawlty, is making the new series in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Both Cleeses will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
According to Deadline, the series will “explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”.
“John Cleese is a comedy legend. Just the idea of working with him makes me laugh,” Reiner said.
As well as Reiner, Michele Reiner, Derrick Rossi, and Matthew George will all serve as executive producers.
Speaking to the outlet, John Cleese praised George’s “understanding of the ‘creative process’” and claimed that their intitial meeting had yielded “one of the best creative sessions I can remember”.
The original Fawlty Towers ran for two series of six episodes each, in 1975 and 1979. It is widely considered one of the best TV series ever made.
Alongside Cleese, the original series starred Prunella Scales as Basil’s wife Sybil, Connie Booth – Cleese’s then wife who co-created the series – and the late Andrew Sachs.
More follows.
