The critically acclaimed comedy, which stars and is written by Waller-Bridge, allegedly faced resistance from Amazon executives who demanded a recast of Scott as the 'Hot Priest'.
- Jul 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - Andrew Scott was almost recast on "Fleabag". The critically acclaimed comedy faced resistance from Amazon executives who demanded a recast of Scott as the 'Hot Priest' days before filming.
According to Shane Allen, former BBC Director of Comedy, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who stars on and writes the series, initially enjoyed "creative freedom" when "Fleabag" was funded solely by the BBC. However, after Amazon invested in the second series, a group of "US male execs" demanded a recast of Scott as the priest love interest.
Allen claimed that the executives "tore the show apart" and insisted on replacing Scott, despite the fact that the first season had been a critical and commercial success. Waller-Bridge, who later signed a £47m deal with Amazon, stood her ground and refused to compromise her vision.
Scott's performance as the priest was highly praised, earning him award nominations at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. His heartthrob status has remained strong, with fans later urging him to move on from the role.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic integrity and commercial pressures in the entertainment industry. Despite funding constraints, British channels and production companies are increasingly relying on international streaming services to meet rising production costs. However, this can come with the risk of creative interference.
Comedian Lee Mack attributed the lack of new British sitcoms partly to a decline in working-class comedians entering the field. He suggested that class-based factors may be contributing to the dearth of fresh voices in comedy.
Despite the challenges faced by British comedy, Waller-Bridge's defense of her creative vision is a reminder of the importance of artistic integrity. "Fleabag", which has won numerous awards and gained international recognition, stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the courage of those who stand by it.
