EntertainmentTVComedy ShowsThe FranchiseThe cast of superhero satire The Franchise want Olivia Colman to play their version of MCU boss Kevin FeigeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVComedy ShowsThe FranchiseThe cast of superhero satire The Franchise want Olivia Colman to play their version of MCU boss Kevin FeigeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: HBO)
One of the best jokes in new comedy showThe Franchisesurrounds a mystery character named ‘Shane’, who plays a key role in the superhero satire.
With the series following a group of filmmakers as they attempt to bring the latest superhero movie in a huge franchise to life, we meet several producers, with a figure named Shane being the big boss. Essentially, Shane is The Franchise’s take on MCU head honcho Kevin Feige.
However, whilst Shane is regularly mentioned, the character is neither seen or heard throughout the show, which becomes a running joke. The question is then – who should play Shane, should they come into the picture?
Putting this question to the show’s impressive cast, several names pop up. Isaac Powell, who portrays Shane’s personal assistant Bryson, suggests to GamesRadar+ that either Imelda Staunton (who certainly brought menace to her role as Umbridge in Harry Potter) or Paul Giamatti (the star of the Oscar-nominated The Holdovers) would be a good fit.
Co-stars Aya Cash (who plays producer Anita) and Himseh Patel (who portrays first assistant director Daniel) however put forward another name – Patton Oswalt, a comedic actor who has appeared in everything from Community to BoJack Horseman. He certainly is a chameleon.
(Image credit: Netflix)
However, Lolly Adefope, who plays third assistant director Dag, offers another, perhaps more intriguing, idea adding: “It would be cool if Shane was a woman.”
And then we finally crack it, as Darren Goldstein (who appears as studio representative Pat) offers: “You know who would be a great Shane? It turns out that Shane is a woman and it’s Olivia Colman.” The star of The Crown and Heartstopper certainly seems like a perfect fit – so HBO, make it happen!
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In fact, as showrunner Jon Brown tells us, there is already the idea to cast Shane for a potential second season. Continuing, he admits that the initial plan was that we would meet the boss this season, but feeling the pressure with the expectation surrounding the casting, they instead decided to keep it a mystery for now.
However, Brown is adamant that will change should The Franchise be renewed: “We talked about it at one point, we were going to meet him in episode 8, but it felt tricky. Casting that role would have been hard as it’s a relatively small part but the expectation is quite big, so you would want someone to show up that had some status, felt big enough.
“In a way I deferred that for later, kept the powder dry, in season 2 we would want to meet him, I wouldn’t want to hold off on it forever. But casting that part will be tough. Trying to find someone who has charisma but is believably of that world. It’s tricky and that’s why we decided in the end not to do it.”
The Franchise is currently airing weekly on Sky and NOW in the UK, and via HBO and Max in the US.
For more, check out our guide to thenew TV showsheading your way.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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4
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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1
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2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
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4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”