FX – home to comedies like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Louis – is adding yet another comedy series to its schedule. Elijah Wood [Lord of the Rings, Sin City] and Jason Gann will star in Wilfred, a single-camera live-action series based on the australian series of the same name that was co-created by Gann.
Wood stars as Ryan, an introvert who struggles to find social and professional happiness, until he meets Wilfred (played by Gann), whom Zuckerman describes as part Australian Shepherd, part Russell Crowe on a bender. The world sees Wilfred as a dog; Ryan sees Wilfred as a man dressed in a dog suit. Wilfred is Ryan’s alter-ego intent on pushing Ryan out of his shell. Fiona Gublemann (Californication) co-stars as “Jenna,” Ryan’s attractive next door neighbor and owner of Wilfred. Wifred marks Wood’s first starring role in regular series television. Gann co-created and played the title character in the Australian version of Wilfred.
The official press release follows the jump.
FX ORDERS COMEDY SERIES WILFRED
Series Stars Elijah Wood and Jason Gann
Based on Critically Acclaimed Australian Comedy
Adapted by Writer/Executive Producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy, American Dad)
Coming to FX in Summer of 2011
LOS ANGELES, October 25, 2010 – FX is adding more original comedy to its programming slate, ordering 13 episodes of Wilfred, a live-action comedy series starring Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Jason Gann, which is based on the critically acclaimed Australian series of the same title, announced Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, FX Networks.
Wilfred was adapted for FX by David Zuckerman (Family Guy, American Dad), who wrote the pilot and will serve as Executive Producer/Showrunner. Randall Einhorn (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Modern Family) directed the pilot episode.
Wood stars as “Ryan,” an introvert who struggles to find social and professional happiness, until he meets “Wilfred” (played by Gann), who Zuckerman describes as part Australian Shepherd, part Russell Crowe on a bender. The world sees Wilfred as a dog; Ryan sees Wilfred as a man dressed in a dog suit. Wilfred is Ryan’s alter-ego intent on pushing Ryan out of his shell. Fiona Gublemann (Californication) co-stars as “Jenna,” Ryan’s attractive next door neighbor and owner of Wilfred. Wifred marks Wood’s first starring role in regular series television. Gann co-created and played the title character in the Australian version of Wilfred.
“We loved how well the pilot turned out, and we were blown away by the chemistry between Elijah Wood and Jason Gann,” said Grad. “It’s a very unique concept and we think David Zuckerman has a great take on it.”
Executive Producers are Rich Frank, Paul Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park, along with Joe Connor and Ken Conner of Renegade, producers of the Australian version of Wilfred. Gann will serve as Co-Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.
Wilfred will be the fourth new comedy added to the FX schedule in the past 18 months. Wilfred joins the critically acclaimed Louie, Archer, The League, and FX signature hit It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on the network’s comedy roster.