It has been an exciting day for Neighbours fans, as the show has resumed filming today.
While we watched the interviews and got glances of far-away shots of the cast on Pin Oak Court, we weren’t ready for the end-of-the-day surprise announcement that Hollywood is coming to Ramsay Street.
Mischa Barton has been confirmed to be joining Neighbours in a guest role capacity.
Mischa will be playing an American called Reece, and like all good guest characters, will have other reasons for being in Erinsborough.
“I’m excited to be part of this iconic show’s next chapter, and I am really looking forward to being back in Australia, a place I know and love! I think the character of Reece is going to be a great role for me to explore and play with,” Mischa has stated.
What will their connection be to those on Ramsay Street? Only time will tell!
While to some, the official announcement was the first that they heard about this, the Hollywood Reporter “leaked” this news a few hours earlier.
While the article was quickly removed until the official release, it was too late. Twitter had seen it and people were discussing it.
There had been rumours that Mischa was a guest appearance that was meant to happen previously but the storyline was scrapped/rewritten.
However, with Amazon Freevee taking Neighbours to the American market, it does seem fitting to introduce the show to a new audience with a face that is known to them.
Producer Jason Herbison has acknowledged the new market too, “With Neighbours launching on Amazon Freevee in North America, we are beyond excited to have an actor of Mischa’s calibre join us for the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Mischa’s character is dynamic and unpredictable and will have an instant presence on Ramsay Street. Our loyal viewers are going to love her, locally and abroad.”
Can we see additional Hollywood actors appearing in the show in the future? Honestly, I don’t think so. I don’t this is a precedent that the guest roles will be introduced to appease a certain audience market. Amazon Freevee has made it clear that they want Neighbours to be the show that the fans know and love.