'Friends: The Reunion': Cole Sprouse to Paul Rudd, actors who won't return
Fans of the hit sitcom 'Friends' went into overdrive when HBO Max announced it would be streaming the reunion special on May 27, Thursday. Along with anticipation came a variety of speculations around the hour-long episode. Starting from guest lists to who would be hosting it and the topic of conversations, most found themselves wondering what new they could expect from the show.
Apart from a roster of A-line stars, who will pop in at random intervals to entertain the viewers, here's a list of supporting actors from the show who will be joining the main cast for the special: Elliott Gould (Jack Geller), Larry Hankin (Mr. Heckles), Thomas Lennon (Joey’s hand twin), Christina Pickles (Judy Geller), Tom Selleck (Dr. Richard Burke), James Michael Tyler (Gunther), Maggie Wheeler (Janice), and Reese Witherspoon (Jill Greene). On the surface, it appears to be a comprehensive list but a few of the important cast members are not returning for the reunion special.
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Cole Sprouse
He played Ross Geller's (David Schwimmer) son Ben from Seasons 6 to 8, during which he fell in love with Jennifer Aniston. In an interview from earlier this year, the 'Riverdale' star said he would stammer a lot and forget his lines. "I was teased a little bit by the crew, because they saw it. I would just forget, and be looking at her," he explained and added: "But then, the whole world had a crush on Jennifer Aniston." What is Cole up to now? He is working on HBO Max's New Line feature 'Moonshot' alongside Lana Condor.
Bruce Willis
He entered 'Friends' during Season 6. The 'Die Hard' star played Elizabeth Stevens' (Alexandra Holden) father, Paul Stevens and Rachel Greene's (Jennifer Aniston) boyfriend briefly. At first, it did seem that the two were going steady but when Rachel found out he was a crier, she couldn't help but dump him.
Their relationship may not have lasted long but it made for great entertainment as they figured the age gap in them while also acknowledging the complicated relationship dynamics they were thrown into. Ross, who is Rachel's ex, was dating Elizabeth while Paul was into Rachel - see the mess there? And it didn't help that each of these couples had massive age differences between them. According to Entertainment Tonight, Bruce is currently working with John Travolta in a project that will see them reunite after 27 years. Their last film together was 'Pulp Fiction.'
Paul Rudd
Easily one of the most loved, adored and sensible boyfriends Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) has had on 'Friends'. Their relationship was met with friction from his parents but it didn't matter to him. In Barbados, when the BFFs were busy attending Ross's paleontology conference, Mike arrived to pop the question.
It did throw Phoebe off for a bit because he was there with David (Hank Azaria). However, she eventually chose Mike. Mike's character was well-sketched, which is why him not returning to the show surprised the fans. He will be next seen in 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' alongside Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace.
Christina Applegate
Her portrayal of Amy Greene was on-point and landed her an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. "There are people who are really self-unaware, and they have absolutely no filter,” Christina described Amy during her interview with Today. "I think my favorite line, though, is when I keep saying Lisa's (Kudrow) name wrong. And then she goes, ‘Phoebe.’ And I say, ‘Why does she keep making that noise?’ That was written as a rewrite in front of the audience, and I thought it was hilarious."
Sean Penn
Sean played Phoebe and her twin sister Ursula's boyfriend Eric. Although he appeared in two episodes of 'Friends', it's tough not to remember the actor's contribution to the show. According to reports, he will be next seen thriller 'Black Flies.'
'Friends: The Reunion' will air on HBO Max on May 27.