The stars of iconic sitcom Friends – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer – were all set to reunite this month for the first time in 16 years for a one-off interview special.
But the cast – who revealed the long-awaited plans to get back together when they all posted “It’s happening” to their social media accounts in February – have been forced to delay filming, due to Hollywood shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
And now, insiders reveal that some of the stars, particularly Courteney, 55, are fearful it won’t happen at all.
“Courteney has been the cheerleader for the Friends reunion from the very beginning,” a source explains. “It’s a special show for all of them, but Courteney is like the one relative in a family who makes sure everyone keeps in touch. She was always the glue that held the gang together, right from the start.
“It was Courteney who suggested they all got paid the same, even though she was more well-known than all of them when they first started, well before they all became superstars. They all had to move mountains to make this May date work, which is partly why Courteney is so upset that it’s fallen apart.”
The insider adds it will be a logistical nightmare to try to find a new date that works for all six cast members, particularly Jennifer Aniston, 51, who is committed to the second season of her hit drama The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon, which has also been put on hold.
A 'Friends' version of Cards Against Humanity exists and we need it immediately
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Meanwhile, Matt LeBlanc is busy with his current sitcom Man With A Plan, and Courteney – who is in a long-distance relationship with Snow Patrol guitarist Johnny McDaid – is worried the other actors will struggle to be accommodating with their own busy schedules.
The source says, “Courteney is most upset over the idea that she might not get to work with Jen again. Although they see each other when they can, it just doesn’t compare to the bond they used to have on-set. They’d been discussing going on holiday together after filming, and reliving their twenties, which were their heydays. It’s making her sad to think they won’t be able to do it – or that they’ll end up having to film a reunion in their homes, separately, if they’re still in lockdown.”
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Despite wrapping up in 2004 after ten seasons, Friends remains one of the most popular television series, with streaming giant Netflix revealing it is one of their most-streamed shows. But not all the other stars are as excited about it as Courteney and Jen.
The source adds, “The guys, especially Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc, feel whatever is meant to be, will be. They think it’s a nice idea but they’re not as upset as Courteney about it not happening – they’ve also suggested they do an online version where they film the reunion separately.”
Last week, Closer reported Jen has been getting advice from ex Brad Pitt – who is a father of six – as she makes plans to adopt. And pals say she’s also been turning to Courteney – who has a daughter Coco, 15, from her marriage to ex-husband David Arquette, whom she divorced in 2013.
The source adds, “Courteney is so excited for Jen and has been giving her tips as well as preparing her for motherhood. She’s determined to be there for her. She had planned to fully support Jen throughout the Friends reunion – which is why it’s upsetting her so much that it’s suddenly on the rocks.”
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