Movies

Dick Van Dyke & Ed Asner’s Unmade Comedy Remake: A Lost Opportunity!

BBG News

In the 1960s, Dick Van Dyke and Ed Asner nearly reunited for a remake of an iconic comedy, but unfortunately, Asner’s passing has put an end to this project. Van Dyke, a stalwart in showbusiness since the 1940s, gained significant fame with his self-titled sitcom during that era. Similarly, Asner was a screen legend for over six decades before his demise in 2021, and both men are emblematic of an era in Hollywood history that has passed. At nearly 100 years old, Van Dyke remains an esteemed elder statesman of the entertainment industry who continues to captivate audiences today.

At a Q&A session during the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event in Malibu, California, Van Dyke shared that he had been intending to reprise The Odd Couple with Ed Asner before Asner’s death at the age of 91 in 2021 (as reported by People). Van Dyke expressed his regret by saying “That would’ve been such fun, and we missed out on it. I’ve lost quite a few friends,” before adding “life has treated me well. I can’t really complain.” Unfortunately, no information about the progress of the Odd Couple remake prior to Asner’s passing has been disclosed.

What Van Dyke’s Comments Mean For An Odd Couple Remake

The Odd Couple Has Been Remade As A TV Show Before

The 1968 film adaptation of “The Odd Couple” on Broadway was one of the standout comedies from the ’60s, and it wasn’t long before it was turned into a TV show featuring a different cast. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Hollywood has attempted to reimagine the classic film – in fact, there have been multiple attempts. More recently, the concept was revived for a TV series that ran from 2015 to 2018. It remains unclear if Dick Van Dyke and Carroll O’Connor’s version of “The Odd Couple” would have ever come to fruition, but with Asner no longer involved, it seems unlikely that the project will proceed with a new actor taking his place.

Our Take On Dick Van Dyke’s Plans To Remake The Odd Couple

An Interesting Idea That Might Have Worked A Few Decades Ago

Timeless buddy comedies never fail to amuse across generations, but I’m uncertain if the remake of “The Odd Couple” featuring Dick Van Dyke and Ed Asner would have resonated as successfully. Both actors lacked any direct association with the original film or series, and the characters Oscar and Felix are traditionally portrayed by middle-aged actors at the very least. While Asner’s gruff demeanor and Van Dyke’s upbeat disposition might have complemented each other wonderfully, the “The Odd Couple” remake would likely need substantial alterations to the original narrative to be convincing.

Despite approaching his centennial, Van Dyke continues to captivate crowds with his energy. On the other hand, Asner seemed to be slowing down towards the end of his career, often taking on small roles in budget-conscious films or voice acting. Given the physical demands of reviving The Odd Couple, it’s uncertain if Asner would have been able to handle it. Unfortunately, due to the project not moving forward, we can only speculate about Dick Van Dyke’s intentions for reprising The Odd Couple.

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2025-05-26 23:17

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