Inbetweeners almost signed Hollywood star in lead role – but said he was ‘too handsome’

By Bethany Whittingham, Senior Showbiz Reporter

The Inbetweeners was an overnight success in the late noughties (Image: E4)

The Inbetweeners was an iconic sitcom that left its audiences in hysterics 10 years ago.

The Channel 4 classic followed new student Will McKenzie (played by Simon Bird) as he starts school at a new sixth form.

It doesn’t take long before he makes friends with three fellow students Simon (Joe Thomas), Neil (Blake Sutherland) and Jay (James Buckley).

The quartet soon soared to stardom on the E4 show which ran from 2008 to 2010 and was followed up with two movies.

But what fans may not know is that Simon wasn’t the only actor TV bosses were considering for the role of Will, with two major Hollywood stars also lined up for the gig.

Two Hollywood hunks were almost cast as Will McKenzie (Image: Channel 4 TV)

Other stars who auditioned for the comic role included Doctor Who star Matt Smith and Mamma Mia hunk Dominic Cooper.

It is understood the two British actors were deemed “too handsome” for the roles which ultimately went to the rising star who hails from Guildford.

It comes after Simon disappointed fans when he shared a heartbreaking announcement about the rumoured third Inbetweeners films. The Friday Night Dinner star revealed that after three series and two films, there are no plans for a reunion any time soon.

The actor added that despite the sitcom becoming a household name, he admitted he doesn’t really remember his time on the show.

In an interview with MailOnline, Simon insisted that he was “pouring cold water” on fan speculation that the cast could get back together in future.

Simon Bird shut down prospects of a third Inbetweeners movie (Image: Getty Images)

He told the outlet: “I’m afraid to be the one pouring cold water on this but it’s not happening. I can tell you emphatically that there are no prospects of a reunion.”

The dad-of-two explained that while cast would be more than happy to get back into character, the decision wasn’t up to them.

He insisted: “We’d be happy to but it’s not up to us, it’s up to the writers, Iain and Damon, and I know they’re both very busy these days. It’s not more likely to happen now than it was ten years ago I’m afraid.

“I think it was a comedy that inhabited a certain time and, well, I think I caused quite a storm on social media in a previous interview where I said it wouldn’t be made now but I’m not sure it would. So no there have been no discussion about a new show or film.”