Advertisement

Steve Coogan And John C. Reilly To Play Laurel And Hardy

image

Now here’s some intriguing casting news.

According to Deadline, Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly have signed up to play comedy legends Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

The movie, called ‘Stan & Ollie’, will be directed by Scottish writer and director Jon S. Baird, who recently both wrote and helmed Irvine Welsh adaptation 'Filth’, starring James McAvoy.

Writing is Jeff Pope, who penned 'Philomena’, which also scored Coogan critical plaudits alongside his co-star Dame Judi Dench.

image

Rather than the comedy duo’s glory days, the story meets up with them on their tour of variety halls in Britain in 1953.

With their fame somewhat diminished, the duo embarked on a tour of the UK, but were unable to emulate the fame they once enjoyed in Hollywood, playing to small crowds around the country.

Though the tour later becomes a hit, Hardy’s failing health, as well as ghosts of their past, threaten to derail their partnership.

Said Baird: “Like so many others I grew up watching Laurel & Hardy and I’m therefore honoured to help bring this incredible true story of love, laughter and friendship to the big screen.”

Added Pope: “Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are my heroes. When I watch their movies, in my head it is forever a Saturday morning and I am six years old watching the TV at home utterly spellbound.

image

“I am aware of the huge responsibility of bringing their characters to life, but I have not treated the boys with kid gloves or looked at them through rose coloured specs. They are living and breathing characters, with flaws and shortcomings.

“The research into this story threw up so many details and facts that I had no idea about. But everything I have done has come from a place of love and more than anything else I hope this shines through.”

The movie will be made by BBC Films, and produced by Faye Ward, who recently found acclaim making 'Suffragette’.

Read more
Will The Revenant clean up at the Oscars?
The 2016 Oscar nominations
The truthful Oscar-nominated film posters

Image credits: AP/PA/Rex Features