Russell to take Dudley's role

Russell Brand is set to star in a remake of the 1981 comedy Arthur, as the drunken playboy originally made famous by Dudley Moore.

The comic is developing the project himself and has lined up meetings with writers, according to reports from the US.

The Hollywood Reporter says the film will be produced for Warner Bros by Larry Brezner, whose credits range from Good Morning, Vietnam to Little Britain USA.

Moore – who, like Brand, was born in Essex – was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the original, while Sir John Gielgud, who played his butler, won the best supporting actor Oscar.

It wouldn’t be the first remake for Brand, following his role as Flash Harry in the St Trinian's movie last year.

His fame is gathering pace in the US following his role as an extravagant rock star in the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and will film the follow-up, Get Him To The Greek, next year.

Published: 4 Dec 2008