In the era of streaming, hit TV shows have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences far beyond their countries of origin. But what happens when a beloved series gets remade for international viewers? From casting to cultural adaptations, the stars of these local versions reveal the joys and challenges of stepping into iconic roles.
Finding the Perfect Local Chandler and David Brent
For actors tasked with embodying well-known characters in an international setting, the pressure can be intense. “I was terrified,” admits Piotr Polak, who plays Michal Holc, the David Brent character in the Polish version of The Office. “People were posting, ‘Why would anybody do this? Why can’t we make something original?'”
Cyrus Broacha, who portrayed Chandler in the Indian Friends remake, Hello Friends, had a similar experience. “We lost in translation the irreverence, the cheekiness of the show,” he reflects. “And we were trying really hard to be like Americans, from the clothes to the hairstyles.”
Adapting Iconic Fashion for Local Sensibilities
Fashion played a significant role in Gossip Girl, but recreating those iconic looks for the Mexican version, Gossip Girl: Acapulco, proved challenging. “The styling team didn’t really take the heat or humidity into consideration,” recalls Sofía Sisniega, who played Sofia López-Haro, the Serena van der Woodsen character. “They’d put us in really warm outfits inspired by the New York Gossip Girl – and we’d be melting.”
“Everyone thought it would only last three to four episodes. But it lasted 70.”
– Reha Özcan on the Turkish remake of Shameless
Navigating Cultural Taboos and Censorship
Many international remakes had to contend with cultural taboos and censorship. In the Indian Friends, Ross’s wife couldn’t leave him for another woman, only a man. The Turkish Shameless had to hint at affairs and drug use subtly to appease censors. “Everyone thought it would only last three to four episodes,” notes Reha Özcan, who played Frank Gallagher equivalent Fikri Elibol. “But it lasted 70.”
Becoming a Local Icon Through a Global Hit
For many actors, the international remakes propelled them to stardom in their home countries. “Even now, on social media, people ask me, ‘When are you doing the third season?'” shares Anil Kapoor, who played the Jack Bauer role in the Indian 24.
Diego Trujillo, who starred as Walter Blanco in the Colombian Breaking Bad remake Metástasis, even drew comparisons to his American counterpart. “There are YouTube videos comparing the two series,” he says. “You could buy Walter Blanco T-shirts with my face on them, just like the Walter White T-shirts with Bryan [Cranston]’s.”
The Lasting Impact of International Remakes
While some remakes fizzled, others left an indelible mark on popular culture. Trujillo still gets recognized for his Breaking Bad role. “When I went to Los Angeles to star in Griselda, the producer said, ‘Hey, you did the Spanish Breaking Bad!'”
These international remakes prove that great stories can cross borders and resonate with audiences around the world – as long as they’re adapted with care and cultural sensitivity. From India’s take on Chandler Bing to Colombia’s Walter White, local versions of global hits have the power to both pay homage to the originals and create entirely new icons.
