Coogan confims big-screen ambitions

Steve Coogan has confirmed that he is working on an Alan Partridge movie.

He remained tight-lipped about the plot and even the casting, but said that talks were under way about bringing the hapless host to the big screen.

In an interview with Radio One’s Newsbeat he said: ‘Yeah, we are planning on making a movie. We\'re talking at the moment. What it is we\'re not quite sure. But yes, there are plans afoot to make a film.

When asked if original cast members from the BBC Two comedy would return for the film version he said: ‘Some of them, hopefully. We\'ll see. I\'ve got to sit down and decide what it is yet.

‘People who like the TV series won\'t be disappointed. I think Alan is complex enough to sustain something longer.’

Two years ago, details of a possible plot emerged in which Partridge’s latest attempt at a comeback would be thwarted when Middle Eastern terrorists storm the BBC offices.

And back in 2005, Armando Iannucci, who helped Coogan create Partridge, said he did not want to be involved in any movie spin-off, saying: ‘Steve wants to do an Alan Partridge film, but I couldn\'t bear to go through that again. For me, the idea of spending two more years in a room with that voice is more than I can take.’

Coogan’s interview with Radio One was to promote his role in the newly released Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Published: 24 May 2009