Ricky Gervais wants to flex his serious acting muscles in future films.
The funnyman, who is currently promoting comedy The Invention of Lying, is keen to star in more dramas, and has revealed that his directorial film debut alongside Stephen Merchant might be a surprise to his fans.
He told Sky News, "I'm intruiged by drama. That's why it's like the holy grail in the same sense because nothing resonates like a really poignant piece of dramatic art.
"I don't think comedy is a lesser art form. Our next film, Cemetery Junction, which is out next year, is probably the most dramatic piece we've ever done."