Jack Whitehall Steps into Iconic Tom Hanks Role for Sky's 'The 'Burbs' Revival
Jack Whitehall, the acclaimed actor and comedian, is set to surprise audiences once again with his latest project. Following his chilling performance as a murderous nanny in Amazon Prime's Malice, Whitehall now takes on the role of Rob Fisher in Sky's television remake of the 1989 cult classic The 'Burbs, originally starring Tom Hanks. The 37-year-old star, recently announced as the host of Saturday Night Live UK, shared insights into the challenges and innovations of this new adaptation.
Revisiting a Cult Classic with a Fresh Perspective
In an exclusive interview, Whitehall revealed that he had only a faint memory of watching the original film as a teenager and needed to revisit it for preparation. 'Watching it again, it holds up really well,' he said. 'It's a cult classic and a really fun Joe Dante movie with Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher, so there's a level of expectation when you're doing something based on something as strong as that.' However, he emphasized that the remake is not a mere retread. 'What I really liked is that with the scripts, they were taking the premise of the original movie but trying to do something very different.'
The TV version, executive produced by Seth MacFarlane and written by Celeste Hughey of Dead to Me fame, explores dark secrets and suburban paranoia in the fictional neighborhood of Hinkley Hills. The updated storyline follows new mother Samira, played by Keke Palmer, and Rob Fisher as they move into Rob's childhood home. Bored with suburban life, Samira becomes obsessed with a mysterious neighbor in a 'murder house' linked to a decades-old disappearance.
On-Screen Chemistry and Racial Themes
Whitehall praised his co-star Keke Palmer, highlighting their dynamic on set. 'She was really such a wonderful scene partner and has this amazing attitude to life and to work,' he noted. 'We built a quick rapport and chemistry between ourselves.' Both actors, who became new parents around the same time, found common ground that enhanced their performances. 'We're sort of at similar stages of our lives, we were both new-ish parents, and I was able to go with her when she was doing a comic riff or improvising,' Whitehall explained.
The series also delves into racial tensions within suburban communities, a theme Whitehall described as 'integral' to the narrative. 'Keke and Celeste were really interesting when they spoke about this, and how it never feels like it overwhelms everything and it's not heavy-handed, but you couldn't tell that story without touching upon [race],' he said. His character, a British outsider, contrasts with Samira's experience, adding depth to their relationship. 'I can empathize with her situation, but I'll never fully be able to understand it, so I love how the series is able to deal with topics like that... but it doesn't ever get too heavy. There's always a joke around the corner.'
Upcoming Ventures and Personal Reflections
Looking ahead, Whitehall is preparing to host Saturday Night Live UK next week, following Riz Ahmed's recent stint. 'I'm really looking forward to it, but it's definitely a little bit more daunting now that the first two shows have come out and been a real success,' he admitted. 'The expectation is higher.'
In a lighter moment, Whitehall reflected on his recent stag-do, which made headlines worldwide. 'I did enjoy myself, and some drink was taken,' he laughed. 'It was great to get all of my mates together and sort of forget that I was a parent for six or seven hours.' He humorously added that paparazzi coverage provided a useful recap of the events. 'It's actually quite useful... you get a rundown of what the itinerary was, and I don't think I would have remembered what we did.'
The 'Burbs is available for streaming on Sky and NOW from April 1, offering a fresh take on a beloved film with Whitehall at the helm.
