The Inbetweeners tipped for long-awaited return with new Netflix special

The Inbetweeners revival is reportedly closer to becoming reality than ever before, following a major deal late last year that opened up exciting new possibilities.

Series creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley struck an agreement in October that was said to "pave the way for the return of the hit comedy," but nothing had been heard since that news broke – until now!

The Sun has reported from an anonymous source that Netflix is currently brokering a "multi-million pound deal" for a reunion Inbetweeners movie that "could feature the original cast".

It's not surprising that the streamer would be interested in such a project, given that the two earlier Inbetweeners movies were enormous box office success stories in the UK.

In fact, the first entry enjoyed the largest opening weekend ever for a UK-produced comedy film (£13.2 million) back in August 2011, and went on to score a worldwide gross of $88 million – far outpacing expectations.

The sequel was another hit – albeit not quite as big as the first – leaving fans to wonder whether the misadventures of Will (Simon Bird), Jay (James Buckley), Neil (Blake Harrison) and Simon (Joe Thomas) could continue.

In several interviews over the past decade, the core cast seemed highly doubtful of any such project occurring, but the aforementioned deal by Morris and Beesley gave way to a renewed sense of optimism among fans.

For the time being, none are confirmed to be taking part, but an "insider" told The Sun that a straight-to-streaming third film was looking likely.

Radio Times has reached out to Netflix for comment.

The source told the tabloid: "Inbetweeners fans will be thrilled and relieved because when talk of a reboot emerged last year, there were fears it might not turn out to be a telly project.

"But this deal will mean the comedy will be back on our television screens for the first time in 16 years, even though it won't in its original home on Channel 4."

Rivals star Emily Atack is also named in the report as a potential returning cast member, having played Will's short-lived love interest Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the original series.

We'll bring you further updates as more details come to light.

The Inbetweeners is available to stream on the Channel 4 website.

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