Well it looks like Mike Myers is pulling an Andy Kaufman.
Deadline reports that ABC has found its host for The Gong Show revival in the form of fictional, cheeky British stand-up Tommy Maitland. ABC isn’t revealing who Maitland really is, but he shares an striking resemblance to Mike Myers. Myers has a way of inhabiting a character, and according to ABC whoever is playing Maitland will maintain that character for The Gong Show‘s run.
Arnett, who executive produces the series, is playing along, claiming to have met Maitland years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. According to the press release, Arnett was simply waiting for the right project to come around in order to work with Maitland, and The Gong Show was it.
The Gone Show originally aired on NBC from 1976-1980 and then from 1988-1989. It was created, produced, and hosted by Chuck Barris. Just like the original, the revival will feature unusual talents being performed in front of a panel of rotating Hollywood judges, though for the 21st century contestants will be found online. The series will be taped in front of a live audience. It is executive produced by Arnett, Evan Prager, Jesse Ignjatovic, Conrad Green, Peter Principato and Marc Forman.