Crook 'Fascinated' By New David Brent Film

Mackenzie Crook has told Sky News' Entertainment Week he is "fascinated" to see the new David Brent film but doubts he will be part of it.

His former co-star, Ricky Gervais, is returning to the role which made him famous for Life On The Road - a film about the hapless boss' life after leaving The Office and his attempts to fund a pop career.

But Crook, who played Gareth Keenan in the hit sitcom, says it is unlikely his character will feature.

"Nobody's been in touch and I really don't think they will," he told Sky News' Lucy Cotter. "But I am fascinated to see it."

He added: "That's going to be about the life of David Brent post The Office, I really don't think he's going to go back and visit Tim and Dawn and Gareth and see what they are up to because they won't be interested in that."

For Crook's latest project, he has turned his attentions to metal detector enthusiasts in the BBC 4 show The Detectorists which also stars Toby Jones.

"I've always been fascinated by people ... and their hobbies and how they become very obsessed and immersed in their interests," he said.

"I chose metal detecting as the subject but it could easily have been another hobby, fishing or something else."

Written, directed and starring the British actor, the Detectorists has drawn some criticism from fans of the pastime who fear it would ridicule them.

Crook, who owns a metal detector himself, said people should not jump to conclusions without seeing the show.

"I think they are just worried because they are used to being portrayed as anoraks but this isn't like that," he said.

Since the end of The Office, Crook has landed parts in hit TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Almost Human as well as Hollywood blockbusters.

He confirmed to Sky News that a fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film is in the pipeline and his agent had contacted him to see if he was available next year.

Crook admitted: "The last few years I've had the time of my life going from one thing to another and different sizes of productions."

But he said the atmosphere on smaller projects was usually "a lot better than the big blockbusters" as those involved are not there for the money but because they are “passionate” about the production.

:: Mackenzie Crook appears on Sky News' Entertainment Week on Saturday at 8.30pm.

:: Also on the show, Sky's Lucy Cotter speaks to legendary musician Johnny Marr and a studio performance from Kwabs. Entertainment Week is also available on Catch Up.