Bunim/Murray Productions and RDF Television have completed filming at The Bottle Yard Studios for the all new U.S. version of The Crystal Maze.
Nickelodeon has revealed that the US Maze Master will be the comic Adam Conover (pictured), who is known for his work on College Humour, TV series Adam Ruins Everything, and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman. The U.S. version will feature teams of family members tackling the Maze to collect crystals for time in The Crystal Dome, where they can grab a cash prize. Production on the new series (10 one-hour episodes) took place on the show’s original set at The Bottle Yard Studios this summer.
Speaking to C21 Media about filming with Adam, Exec Producer Neale Simpson said: “It’s a mad and eccentric role. Adam’s take has been like Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory – it’s his maze, he’s created all the games and he’s thrilled somebody has come to play with him for the day. Like Willy Wonka, there’s also a mischievous side to it, a bit of an edge – sometimes the kids lose, sometimes they get locked in.”
Devised by Jacques Antoine, the UK version of The Crystal Maze was originally hosted by Richard O’Brien (Rocky Horror), followed by Ed Tudor-Pole. The reboot was originally presented by Stephen Merchant (for Stand Up To Cancer), and currently by Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd, Travel Man) with his “hand.”
“The Crystal Maze has long served as a staple of the UK entertainment landscape and we could not be happier to be reinventing the show for a younger demo alongside our sister companies, RDF and Stephen David Entertainment. Acting as the first series for BMP’s Kids and Family Division, the show will build on our reputation in the competitive game space and we’ve no doubt by partnering with Nickelodeon, we can build a new audience for this brand in the U.S.,” said Gil Goldschein, Chief Executive Officer, Bunim/Murray Productions.
Nickelodeon’s The Crystal Maze is executive produced by Gil Goldschein and Maria Pepin from Bunim/Murray Productions, Neale Simpson from Fizz, part of RDF Television, and Stephen David from Stephen David Entertainment. Production of The Crystal Maze for Nickelodeon is overseen by Rob Bagshaw, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content.
The series premiere will be announced at a later date.