STAN & OLLIE has found its titular stars in Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. Penned by award-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope, who previously worked with Coogan on Philomela, Stan & Ollie will focus on the highs and lows of the iconic Laurel & Hardy and their now-legendary 1953 tour. Coogan will play Stan Laurel opposite Reilly as Oliver Hardy.
Once the world’s favorite comedy double act, but now diminished by age and their golden era a distant memory, Laurel & Hardy set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Attendances are disappointingly low at the outset, but as the charm and beauty of their performances shines through, they are able to re-connect with legions of adoring fans, both old and new. The tour becomes a hit, but long buried ghosts and Oliver’s failing health start to threaten their partnership.
Jon S. Baird, who most recently helmed James MacAvoy-starrer Filth, is on board to direct. The film, developed by BBC Films, will be a Fable Pictures and Sonesta Films production, produced by Fable’s Faye Ward and exec produced by Jeff Pope and Gabrielle Tana, as well as BBC Films’ Christine Langan and Nichola Martin.
Reilly, who co-starred in Guardians of the Galaxy, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, and Wreck-It Ralph, can next be heard in Illumination Entertainment’s Sing and will appear in Warner Bros,’ Kong: Skull Island. He is repped by WME and Framework Entertainment.
Coogan, repped by Independent Talent Group and CAA, co-wrote and starred in Philomena. His recent films include Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Minions and BAFTA award nominee Northern Soul. He can next be heard in Universal/Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets.
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Katia Juanita | Staff Writer
