Rumors have abounded since Friends ended its successful ten year run in 2004 that the cast would make a movie. Every so often one of the cast members would admit they’ve been talking about it, but there was always one holdout, who no one would ever name. Sometimes they’d claim it was one of the guys, though it was often rumored to be Jennifer Aniston.

Supposedly they’re really going to make the film now, inspired by the success (and I’m guessing the money) of the recent Sex & the City film.

The highly anticipated film production of TV series Friends has finally been given the go-ahead, MailOnline has learned. The actors have been inspired by the recent success of Sex And The City, which recently hit cinemas worldwide. A source said: ‘Jennifer, Courteney and the rest of the cast are keen to reprise their roles, under the right circumstances.

‘The box office success of Sex And The City has really got their wheels spinning about how a Friends film could be just as big, if done right. Timing and the script are really important, but now that Courteney and Jen both have production companies, they can potentially get very involved in those decisions.’

While Cox, 44, LeBlanc, 40, Perry, 39, Kudrow, 45 and Schwimmer, 41, were believed to be keen on the reunion, Aniston, 39, is believed to have dragged her heels. Now, however, she is keen to move ahead with the project, which will be produced by Warner Bros. ‘She says she and Courteney have already talked this summer about what they want out of a Friends movie, and if deals can be made with them, everything else can fall into place rather quickly.

[From the Daily Mail]

It sounds like things are as close to happening as they’ve ever been. But when the same rumor has been floating around for four years, it’s hard to tell when/if it’s actually become legitimate. Even though Jennifer Aniston is probably the biggest star from the show, I think all of them could benefit from a successful film. The Daily Mail pointed out that Aniston has had a few okay movies, but she’s still much better known for her personal life than her great movie career. And I’m pretty sure that at this point, Matt LeBlanc should take whatever he can get.

It seemed like there was a bit of a Friends backlash right after the series finale. Suddenly everyone was claiming they never found it funny. Television comedies have really moved in a different direction since then. There are very few traditional sitcoms left on the air – and almost none of them are filmed in front of a live audience anymore. It’ll be interesting to see if people still find the show’s brand of humor funny. Something tells me that no matter what, it won’t compare to the financial success of the Sex & the City film.

Update by Celebitchy: A representative for Warner Brothers has denied that there’s a Friends movie in the works, saying “(There’s) no truth in the story.” Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry’s spokespeople have also denied that there’s a Friends movie being planned. [Details From SFGate]

David Schwimmer has been in the UK on and off for the last year or doing a play and directing a movie. Though he seems very fond of the England, he’s not so big on the food.

“David Schwimmer was disgusted by British food during his recent stay in the country. The former Friends star criticized the nation’s cuisine after spending time in the country for his role in West End production Some Girl(s) in 2005 and directing his latest movie Run, Fat Boy, Run in London earlier this year.

“He says, ‘You guys deep-fry everything. Even healthy British food like Shepherd’s Pie makes you put on 20 pounds after every meal.’’

[From Starpulse]

I know I’m going to get yelled at, but I’m going to have to agree. When I was last in the UK I was traveling around on a student’s budget, so there wasn’t really much of an opportunity for fine dining, so my experience was obviously limited. But I’ve never experienced such consistently heavy, potato-based food in my life. Starches on top of starches. Why would someone want pasta with a side of potatoes? I haven’t eaten a baked potato since. Schwimmer also stated his love of the country - specifically his love of the British ladies.

“David Schwimmer has said that he is more then willing to put his career on hold for love.

“He tells Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine that ‘I look at someone like Courteney Cox and see how happy she is, but I’ve always put work first and now I have no wife and no family. My mom would love to see me settled, as she thinks it will make my life complete.’

“He said American girls need not apply!

“David said that he is looking for a wife in London. David went on to say that ‘I do like British girls especially their sense of humour.’

[From Product Reviews]

Let’s hope Schwimmer’s not so old-fashioned that he expects his wife to cook for him, or it’ll be a lifetime of blood sausage and jacket potatoes. I can’t imagine any girl being attracted to him for him – he just seems so Ross Gellar. I’d forever be handing him dinosaur bones (I’d have to pick some up first) in an attempt to make him happy.

Picture note by JayBird: Here’s David (not exactly trying to distance himself from the Ross Gellar look) at the Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony. Header image of David at the RSVP to Help Benefit for Habitat for Humanity benefit in January. Images thanks to PR Photos.

The NY Post’s Cindy Adams reports that a long-rumored “Friends” reunion is now in the works, and that holdout Jennifer Aniston finally agreed to it:

A while ago it was rumored that Lisa Kudrow said that “one of the guys” was holding up the reunion after Kathleen Turner let it slip that she was approached to reprise her role as Chandler’s mom, but then Kudrow denied that a reunion was in the works.

Now that Cindy Adams has reported it, it’s probably true, and I can’t wait! I love that show, although it’s hard to watch now that I have such a poor opinion of Aniston. She must have realized how much she owes to “Friends” and maybe she’ll be grateful to the show for making her famous.