As the Frasier reboot inches closer to development, it remains unclear which original stars might be appearing in the new series. For years, Kelsey Grammer has been teasing a fresh take on the show, presumably taking Dr. Crane into an entirely new environment with a different cast of characters. There may be some originals that will return, but as John Mahoney passed away, replicating the classic series is impossible, and it may be better to imagine new circumstances for Frasier.
With this in mind, what would be the status of the other characters? The door would be open for them to return as well, whether it be as part of the main cast or for guest appearances. As he played Dr. Crane’s brother Niles in the original series, David Hyde Pierce may be perhaps the actor that most people are wondering about. Recently, the actor took part in a new interview for Variety alongside Bebe Neuwirth, who also appeared on Frasier and co-stars with Pierce in the HBO Max series Julia. Here’s what Pierce had to say when asked if he’d be involved in the Frasier reboot.
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If we’re reading between the lines here, Pierce is suggesting that he doesn’t know one way or another just yet if he will be included. It sounds like he’s not directly involved with the creative process, so maybe Pierce doesn’t even know at this time if an appearance as Niles is even possible. Because the planned reboot has been in gestation for years, it’s also possible that the concept has been continuously changing, and Pierce is apparently waiting for the project to first start making its way out of development hell with a solid idea in mind before those conversations take place.
“Yeah, that’s the thing. That’s an abstract question. Kelsey’s spearheading that, and I don’t know where it is in its development and what form it will take. So it’s an impossible question to ask, no matter how many people want to know the answer.”
David Hyde Pierce Supports the Frasier Revival Even If He Isn’t Involved
For her part, Bebe Neuwirth, who played Frasier’s wife on the original show, also told Variety she didn’t know anything about the Frasier revival. The actress did note that she is very supportive of it regardless, something which David Hyde Pierce agrees with. As Neuwirth said:
The last we’ve heard about the planned Frasier revival is that Kelsey Grammer was trying to make it happen at Paramount+. The actor teased the plot he had in mind for the revival, suggesting that life takes Dr. Crane in “another direction,” and he “ends up rich beyond his dreams.” Even if Frasier comes into some money and finds a new home elsewhere, many fans would certainly still love to see more original stars return in some capacity.
“I think that it should go without saying. I’m very supportive of it happening. I hope they continue in the excellence that they started with. I trust that they will.”
