Steve Coogan to star in Laurel & Hardy film

Monday 18th January 2016, 11:49am

  • Steve Coogan will star as English movie star Stan Laurel
  • American actor John C. Reilly will play Oliver Hardy
  • Previously a TV special, Stan & Ollie will now be a cinematic release

Steve Coogan

Steve Coogan is to star in Stan & Ollie, a comedy-drama biopic of film legends Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

He will feature opposite Hollywood star John C. Reilly, who takes on the role of Ollie in the new film, which was previously announced as a BBC One comedy drama.

Producers describe the production as "an original film based on one of the world's most loved comedy duos and geniuses of their time".

Stan And Ollie was announced by the BBC in December 2013. Written by Jeff Pope, who worked with Coogan to create Philomena, the film tells the story of Laurel & Hardy's 1953 UK tour.

Developed initially by BBC Comedy and then by the corporation's cinematic arm, BBC Films, it will be produced by Fable Pictures and Sonesta Films.

BBC Films explain: "Laurel & Hardy, the world's favourite comedy double act, set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. As they set out, criss-crossing the country, attendances are disappointingly low. But they've always been able to make each other laugh and as the charm and beauty of their performances shines through their audiences laugh too, and they re-connect with legions of adoring fans, old and new.

"The tour becomes a hit, but Laurel & Hardy can't quite shake the spectre of Stan and Ollie's past; and long buried ghosts, coupled with Oliver's failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. A portrait of the most tender and poignant of creative marriages begins to unfold as the duo, aware that they may be approaching their swan song, try to rediscover just how much they mean to each other."

Writer Jeff Pope says: "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. 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."

Director Jon S. Baird adds: "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."

Producer Faye Ward from production company Fable Pictures comments: "I feel privileged to have been entrusted to bring to screen the magnificent lives and work of comedy legends, Laurel and Hardy. It is incredibly exciting to be working with such a fantastic and collaborative team. Steve and John are a dream partnership and with Jon directing Jeff's moving and affectionate screenplay, I know this will be a film to treasure for fans both old and new."

Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films says: "John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan are dream casting for Stan & Ollie, bringing to life with uncanny accuracy and irresistible gusto the genius creative marriage that Jeff Pope's script explores so lovingly. With Faye Ward producing and Jon Baird at the helm, BBC Films is extremely excited to crank up production of this gem in 2016."

A release date for the film has not yet been set.

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