The advertisements are appearing on FX television of Elijah Wood’s, aka Frodo Baggins, upcoming comedy series, “Wilfred“; an American remake of the hit Australian TV sitcom by the same name and with the same…dog? Jason Gann (co-creator of the original series) reprises his Aussie role as Wilfred, a very cheeky canine, who plays the part in a very bad dog suit.
Ryan (Wood’s character) is a depressed, neurotic man preoccupied on the best way to commit suicide. His plot is spoiled when his attractive neighbor (Fiona Gublemann of “Californication”) asks him to watch her “dog”, Wilfred, during the afternoons. To her and everyone else, Wilfred appears as a normal dog; but to Ryan (and the audience); Wilfred is a full-grown man in a very bad dog costume. Ryan struggles daily as he tries to keep Wilfred under control. Unfortunately, Wilfred’s raunchy, self-serving tendencies challenge Ryan and have him questioning his grip on reality. Eventually, Wilfred draws Ryan out and their relationship diverts him from his depression as Wilfred becomes his alter-ego and friend.
The show has created a new niche in sitcoms and is described as an “out there” comedy that gives Elijah Wood a chance to show his comedic chops in his first television series. As Jason Gann said in a recent interview, “Someone afterwards…when they saw the pilot one day, said ‘Elijah Wood!! Comedy!! Who knew!?’ I said, Elijah knew. He obviously knew when he came in to do this… what he was going to bring… and just talking on and off set…off camera, he’s a really funny guy.”
Directed by Randall Einhom (“The Office” and “Parks & Recreation”) and adapted for FX by David Zuckerman (“Family Guy”), the 13-episode series airs in June, 2011. [Wilfred Official Site]
