Fans of the popular British sitcom "The Inbetweeners" are actively generating plot predictions for the anticipated third film, which Netflix announced has begun production. Social media platforms have become a hub for fan theories about the future of characters Will McKenzie, Jay Cartwright, Neil Sutherland, and Simon Cooper.
Alongside the excitement, a segment of the fanbase has voiced concerns that the comedy might become "watered-down" or overly "politically correct." These worries stem from the show's history of risqué humor, which included ableist language and sexist slurs in its original run on Channel 4 between 2008 and 2010.
Fans have proposed various scenarios for the new film. One popular theory suggests the movie could revolve around Will's stag do, with his fiancée potentially being Charlotte Hinchcliffe, a character played by Emily Atack. Other predictions include Simon contemplating marriage while his ex, Tara, reappears, and Jay navigating parenthood while struggling financially. Some fans have speculated that Charlotte's wedding could be a central plot point, with the group attending.
Concerns about the show's comedic tone have been prominent in fan discussions. "I'd like to think the cast wouldn't have agreed to do this if it was watered down but let's see... I can't wait for this, but worry they'll tone it down to not offend the woke brigade... It's going to be terrible mate, they won't want to offend anyone," one user commented. Another expressed a similar sentiment: "This is the world we live in. Full of absolute snowflakes."
The potential return of Emily Atack's character, Charlotte 'Big Jugs' Hinchcliffe, has also been a significant point of discussion. Reports suggest that Netflix is keen for Atack to reprise her role, seeing her as a crucial element for the film's success.
However, Atack's involvement has been reportedly complicated by a feud with co-star James Buckley. Speculation suggests Atack may refuse to return due to a past incident where she was allegedly removed from "The Inbetweeners Fwends Reunited" 10th-anniversary show in 2019 at Buckley's request. Reports at the time indicated that Buckley was concerned his wife might discover a past relationship between him and Atack. At the time, producers reportedly informed Atack she was no longer needed on the day before filming, an apology was issued, and she expressed her disappointment. "I was booked to do it, was very much looking forward to doing it and then the day before, I was told I was no longer needed for it," Atack stated.
Producers are reportedly keen to have all the original cast members, including Atack, on board, viewing her return as the "cherry on the Inbetweeners cake." The four main male leads—Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison—are confirmed to be returning. The first "Inbetweeners" film was released in 2011, followed by a second in 2014, and the reunion special "Fwends Reunited" aired in 2019.