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'West Wing' star Richard Schiff reveals Aaron Sorkin is interested in reboot: 'He said he wanted it to happen'

Schiff says he has pitched his ideas to Sorkin and who 'loved it'

Clémence Michallon
New York
Tuesday 08 January 2019 23:29 GMT
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Richard Schiff teases possible West Wing reboot

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The West Wing star Richard Schiff has confirmed that Aaron Sorkin is interested in possibly rebooting the beloved show.

Schiff says he has discussed a potential reboot with the series’s creator and even pitched him his own ideas.

“Aaron has said he wanted it to happen,” Schiff said on the Popcorn Talk Network’s online show I Could Never Be.

The actor, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Ziegler, gave viewers a taste of what could come if a reboot does happen.

“He might go with a new administration,” Schiff said of Sorkin, ”in which case, you know, some of us might show up as consultants or whatever in that administration.

“It makes no sense [to bring back the full cast] – maybe one or two of us would be in the White House.”

For Schiff, the original cast of characters would have either moved on to other jobs by now or “be dead”, which explains why the entire team would presumably not return exactly as it was.

The actor discussed his vision for a potential reboot which, unlike the original show, wouldn’t focus heavily on the White House but on other aspects of politics such as the grassroots or state level.

“I have a great idea. I’ve pitched it to Aaron. He loved it,” Schiff said.

“I don’t think it should be in the White House. I think that’s overcooked. My image of a show in the White House now is something like House of Cards, which is more apropos for the current administration — and Veep.”

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The West Wing concluded in 2006 after seven seasons. Sorkin left the show after four seasons.

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"I had the best job in show business for four years and I'll never forget that," he said at the time in a statement.

While the reasons for his departure weren't clearly stated, people involved with the show told The New York Times back then that pressure, budget issues and decreasing ratings had all played a part.

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