WILFRED
Elijah Wood & Jason Gann Interview, Ryan & Wilfred
Series Premiere June 23rd at 10 PM EST on FX
June 23, 2011
By Lena Lamoray
WILFRED PRESS RELEASE: 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.
I spoke with ELIJAH WOOD and JASON GANN about their upcoming mega hit show, WILFRED. Elijah plays Ryan and Jason plays Wilfred, a normal dog to everyone else but he appears as an Australian bloke in a dog costume to Ryan. I know it sounds odd but it is oddly perfect and insanely hilarious. It was such an honor to speak with both of them and Elijah has the most amazing laugh. His laugh is contagious. Of course, I am a huge fan of anything Australian and Jason certainly sparkles in and as WILFRED. Don’t miss the series premiere of WILFRED on FX.
Read the interview: https://lenalamoray.com/INTERVIEW-WILFRED-FX-Elijah-Wood-Jason-Gann.html