Friends fans seem to have finally found out the reason for Matthew Perry’s slurred speech in the reunion episode.
Earlier this month, Perry was seen with co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer to tease the show, which was shot in April and will air on May 27 via HBO and HBO Max.
Some fans noticed the 51-year-old actor stammered and stared in the clip, which prompted speculations over his health. A report from The Sun cleared the actor’s relapse rumors, maliciously hinting at Perry struggling with Vicodin addiction again.
The Real Reason Why Matthew Perry’s Speech Was Slurred In ‘Friends’ Reunion Promo
A source confirmed that Perry, known for the role of sarcastic Chandler Bing, underwent an emergency dental procedure prior to filming the special.
The source said: "Matthew turned up to the reunion [in April] and members of his team said that he had an emergency tooth procedure that day.
"That was said to impact his wellbeing and also how he was feeling. [Matthew] had been in pain from what we understand, which caused the slurred speech."
The source added that the star had reassured pals that there was nothing to worry about.
They also admitted that "nobody wants to film after a procedure”.
Who Is Going To Appear On The Special Episode Of 'Friends'?
The six actors will appear as themselves on the beloved Stage 24 where all ten seasons of the show were filmed between 1994 and 2004.
Together with the six original Friends, the eagerly anticipated reunion episode will see a special guest cast including new and old faces. Earlier this month it was announced that "The One Where They Got Back Together” will feature celebrities of the likes of Justin Bieber, Cara Delevingne, and David Beckham.
South Korean band BTS will also appear, together with Lady Gaga, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Mindy Kaling, Malala Yousafzai, and Game of Thrones star Kit Harington.
A few familiar faces will make their comeback, too. Tom Selleck, who played Monica’s boyfriend Richard, as well as Maggie Wheeler, famous for portraying Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice, will star. Guest stars Elliot Gould, Christina Pickles, Thomas Lennon, James Michael Tyler will all return to discuss the show. Reese Witherspoon, who played Rachel’s little sister Jill on two episodes, will also grace the screen.
Fans, however, have been asking where some original cast members are. While Witherspoon is returning as one of the Green sisters, Christina Applegate, who played Amy Green on Friends, won’t star in the reunion. Cole Sprouse, known for the role of Ross’s son Ben, is also among the special’s absentees, together with fan-favorite Paul Rudd, who played Phoebe’s love interest Mike.