Celia Imrie’s commanding screen presence forced reshoots for HBO Max series 'War'

Celia Imrie’s performance in the new HBO Max and Sky TV series 'War' was so authoritative that producers were forced to reshoot the opening episode. According to co-stars Phoebe Fox and James McArdle, Imrie’s portrayal of the freelance barrister Budgie was so convincing that test audiences mistakenly believed her character was the head of the law firm. Fox noted that the original entrance scene failed to establish the hierarchy, as Imrie’s natural charisma made her appear to be the boss. The series, which centers on a high-profile divorce trial, also features a reunion of cast members from the reality show 'The Celebrity Traitors'. McArdle admitted that filming alongside Imrie and Nick Mohammed proved distracting, as he frequently attempted to solicit spoilers for the reality competition. 'War' is scheduled to premiere on October 2.