Ted Lasso prepares to return for season four – with key cast member missing-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Ted Lasso may return for another season (Picture: AP)

Fans of the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso can rejoice as it appears the series may not be over after all.

Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind the beloved football comedy, has taken a significant step by picking up the options on three of the show’s original cast members, according to sources.

The actors who have been secured are Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Walton), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins), all of whom were contracted under the UK acting union Equity.

The studio is soon expected to begin negotiations with other Ted Lasso cast members whose contracts under SAG-AFTRA have expired.

This group likely includes co-creators and executive producers Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard), as well as Juno Temple (Keeley Jones).

However, one notable absence is Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt), whose option has not been picked up, possibly due to scheduling conflicts.

Hannah Waddingham is expected to return to the series (Picture: AP)

Brett Goldstein has also been picked back up by the studio (Picture: AP)

While the specifics of which other stars might return remain unclear, many cast members have expressed their willingness to reprise their roles if the opportunity arises. Guest appearances from familiar faces are also on the table.

Securing the cast marks a crucial milestone toward a greenlight for Season 4, which is still contingent on budget approval and scheduling.

Early preparations are already being made to open a writers’ room, with production potentially kicking off in early 2025 if all elements align.

While the show hasn’t officially been confirmed, it seems that its likely to return
(Picture: AP)

The move toward a fourth season suggests that Jason Sudeikis, the creative force behind Ted Lasso both on and off-screen, is on board for another installment. This is significant, as the future of the series has always hinged on Sudeikis’ involvement.

Initially conceived as a three-season story arc, Sudeikis has remained open to continuing the show if the right idea came along – much to the delight of the show’s fanbase.

Ted Lasso debuted in August 2020 during the height of the pandemic, quickly becoming a global phenomenon with its uplifting tone and the charming optimism of its lead character.

Jason Sudeikis is expected to also be confirmed soon (Picture: AP)

The show became Apple’s most-watched original series and a pop culture staple, winning 13 Emmy Awards over its three-season run, including two consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series trophies.

The cast also earned numerous accolades, with Sudeikis, Goldstein, and Waddingham all taking home Emmy Awards for their performances.

The Season 3 finale, which aired in May 2023, left fans with a sense of finality but also teased future possibilities.

Keeley and Rebecca were seen contemplating the launch of an AFC Richmond Women’s Team, while Ted returned to Kansas to coach his son’s soccer team, suggesting that the story could continue in new directions.

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