Russell Brand developing "Arthur" remake

[DB7]

Russell Brand developing "Arthur" remake

By Borys Kit



LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Russell Brand might soon be caught between the moon and New York City.



The controversial British comedian is developing a remake of "Arthur," the 1981 comedy that starred Dudley Moore, as a potential starring vehicle. He is meeting with scribes to write the screenplay for Warner Bros.



The original movie followed a boozy playboy rascal who is set to inherit a fortune if he marries an heiress his family thinks will make something out of him. However, he falls in love with a working-class woman and turns to his valet for help when his family makes him choose between money and love.



Moore was nominated for an Oscar as was Steve Gordon, the film's writer-director. John Gielgud won the Oscar for his supporting role as the valet, and the movie's theme song, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)," sung by Christopher Cross, won for original song.



Brand already has a rascally reputation, not only for his past sex-, drugs- and alcohol-infused lifestyle but also for on-air radio pranks that recently led him to being suspended by the BBC. He subsequently resigned.



American audiences got their first taste of Brand in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," in which he played a rock star lothario. He next appears with Adam Sandler in "Bedtime Stories," which opens on Christmas Day.



Brand is filming Julie Taymor's adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and will reunite his "Marshall" cohorts for "Get Him to the Greek."



Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

[Captain Casper]

Jesus. One of my favourite films of all time.



Russell Brand banks on Arthur remake | Film | guardian.co.uk

[faginsgirl]

I can`t say its one of my favorite movies but its ok. Apparently due to be turned into a complete pigs ear though no doubt!



xx

[James Fox]

Jesus. One of my favourite films of all time.

My reaction exactly! The Dudley Moore film is a favorite of mine.



"You probably ate out that night, what with that dead body lying in your kitchen."



lol

[Captain Casper]

My reaction exactly! The Dudley Moore film is a favorite of mine.



"You probably ate out that night, what with that dead body lying in your kitchen."



lol

"I'll have another drink. Do you want another fish?"



Awesome line.

[charliekane]

Jesus. One of my favourite films of all time.



Russell Brand banks on Arthur remake | Film | guardian.co.uk

Considering what else is available, difficult to imagine this as anyone's favourite picture.............. however, can't something be done about the appalling Russell Brand ? Who on earth is bankrolling him for this or for a previously reported film version of his autobiography (won't that be interesting ? A: No)

[Marky B]

Not a fan of the film and not a fan of Dudley Moore or Peter Cook,so as far as I am concerned it might be an improvement.

Ta Ta

Marky B

[GoggleboxUK]

This is a classic....

[markrgv]

Agreed. Another hideous/awful/pointless remake - and casting Russell Brand is as bad as it gets

[will.15]

That has been hitting the movie forum circuits. It looks ghastly.

[Mustard Pies]

Good grief, I can't think of anything more horrible than Russell Brand embracing Hollywood and becoming their golden boy.

Last time I looked he was this idiot who insulted Andrew Sachs, and then married the ghastly Katie Whatshername. Both spoilt rotten. And both up their own you-know-what.

Please Mr Brand, go away. You're neither, funny, nor can you act. So push off.

[RogerThornhill]

I only have to see the name Russell Brand on anything and I am switching off from it.

[didi-5]

Same here Roger. I was interested in The Tempest with Helen Mirren as Prospera until I heard Russell Brand was in it. I can't stand the man; he absolutely ruined the new St Trinian's as well, IMO.

[Mustard Pies]

Same here Roger. I was interested in The Tempest with Helen Mirren as Prospera until I heard Russell Brand was in it. I can't stand the man; he absolutely ruined the new St Trinian's as well, IMO.

What gets me is how on earth did he become an 'actor'? From a jumped-up Big Brother presenter to an actor in two easy steps.

And worst still why are casting directors falling over themselves to give him work? He can't act for the life of himself. He's embarrassing to watch, and quite frankly pathetic with it.

[RogerThornhill]

What gets me is how on earth did he become an 'actor'? From a jumped-up Big Brother presenter to an actor in two easy steps.

And worst still why are casting directors falling over themselves to give him work? He can't act for the life of himself. He's embarrassing to watch, and quite frankly pathetic with it.

How did he become an actor? Well, the short answer is he didn't. I suppose that casting directors are keen on him because, for some unfathomable reason, he is popular and they think that his name will be good for business.

[Plwmsan]

"And the award for Best Actor does not go to -

George Formby, Tommy Trinder, WC Fields, <--- almost all of the comedians appearing in film during 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s --->, Cannon & Ball, Lenny Henry etc..."

It really does look dire, but let's not kid ourselves that it has always been about talent over popularity.

If we're all still here in ten years time, it'll be someone else we're complaining about.

I suppose it could be worse, just think if the States had taken a shine to Bernard Manning just before time of the original Arthur - the script would have written itself

[theuofc]

In light of the talented and popular actors/comedians out there, I am totally puzzled as to why Russell Brand and Ricky Gervais have been given so many opportunities.

[Mr Sloane]

I have no particular axe to grind re Russel Brand but please Arthur with Dudley Moore was terrible. Would anyone have remembered it without an effing and blinding it Sir John

[wellendcanons]

I wasn't greatly impressed with the original. I much preferred Dudly Moore in 10. However, if I were to watch both versions of Arthur back to back I would probably love the original by comparison.

I don't honestly think remakes work that well, unless it's a period piece, and even then as long as they stick to the original novel as best as possible. The last remake I saw of Hound Of The Baskervilles for TV was absolutely abysmal.

Sometimes I would reluctantly give remakes a chance, but not in this case. Simply because of two words that should never be seen together. Russell and Brand. I can't even stand his comedy routine and looking at that trailer his acting skills are non-existent also.

And what on earth is Helen Mirren doing working with that bozo? She's obviously not particular in what she does for money. Shame on you Helen!

wec

[batman]

What gets me is how on earth did he become an 'actor'?

Brand attended two stage schools, The Italia Conti Academy and The Drama Centre, but was expelled from ICA for bad behaviour and drug use and was expelled from TDC after stabbing himself on stage after a performance he gave was badly received by the audience. At this point Brand was seriously addicted to drugs and booze. After this he had small roles on TV including The Bill (didn't we all ) before he decided to concentrate on 'comedy'.