Ricky the romantic
Gervais's first Hollywood starring role
Ricky Gervais has signed up to star in his first movie.The comic, who has often talked about how many film offers he turns down, will star opposite Greg Kinnear in Ghost Town.
The script concerns a man who dies briefly during routine dental surgery and gains the ability to see dead people – who ask him for help in contacting the living.
Gervias has said that rather than being a sweet and sentimental romantic comedy, it will be cynical and twisted.
Spider-Man writer David Koepp is to direct the film, which will be shot in New York from October, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Gervais has had cameos in a number of recent films, including Night at the Museum and For Your Consideration.
Meanwhile, Gervais is to play New York’s Madison Square Garden in May, it has been confirmed.
The comic, whose only previous US stand-up experience has been as part of a charity benefit line-up, will perform on May 19 as part of the city’s first High Line Festival.
The event has been curated by David Bowie, who Gervais has long hailed as a hero and who guest-starred in the last series of Extras.
Among the other acts Bowie is bringing to Manhattan are the bands Arcade Fire and Air, and 87-year-old poet Ken Nordine.
Published: 27 Mar 2007
