As reported last weekend, Jenna Fischer has left Matt LeBlanc’s Man with a Plan TV show at CBS. Now, the word is the popular Office star left due to chemistry (i.e. lack thereof) with series lead Matt LeBlanc. That said, CBS insists Fischer was “wonderful to work with, onscreen and off,” according to a report by The Wrap, from the CBS Upfront.
Here is more from The Wrap:
When CBS preview[ed] “Man With a Plan” at its upfront event […], Jenna Fischer [is set] opposite Matt LeBlanc. But by the time the show actually debuts this October, the “Office” alum will be nowhere to be found.
Fischer’s role is currently being recast for the comedy’s debut season — a chemistry issue, network entertainment president Glenn Geller finally admitted […].
“Look, recasting on pilots happens all the time,” he began, saying the right things when asked. “She is a phenomenal actress,” Geller continued from the middle of a post-CBS breakfast presentation scrum. “It just wasn’t the right actress for the right role, ultimately, when we saw the pilot.”
That’s when he was pushed on the presumed chemistry issue between her and the former “Friends” star.
Regarding that apparently flawed on-screen relationship, Geller said: “It was fine, we think we can do better in terms of the chemistry between the two of them.”
While fan-favorites LeBlanc and Fischer are both talented, attractive comedic performers, with plenty of charisma, it is difficult to picture them playing a romantic couple. When word broke that Fischer had been cast opposite LeBlanc, this reporter figured she was unfairly type-casting both actors and that the proof would be in the pudding. It is sad, but not shocking, that the chefs behind the scenes at Man with Plan, have gone shopping for different ingredients.
Fischer has said Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer; How I Met Your Mother) often beat her out for parts. Could Hannigan work as LeBlanc’s character’s wife?
What do you think? Did you expect Fischer and LeBlanc to have the right chemistry when you first heard she had been cast in the pilot? Is this news a surprise, or expected? Who do you imagine cast opposite LeBlanc?
You are currently viewing the mobile version of our site. View the full site to get free email alerts, vote on your favorite shows, comment, and more.