Eric Idle's project set to shoot this year

The planned film version of Monty Python's Spamalot is back on track, with a new studio and a director now on board.

Three years ago Chortle reported how Eric Idle, who co-wrote the stage hit, was working on a script for the project for 20th Century Fox.

But when the studio was brought by Disney in a £50billion deal in 2019, the film stalled.

Now, however, Hollywood website Deadline reports that Paramount has taken over the rights and intends to start shooting this year.

Casey Nicholaw, who was the choreographer of the original 2005 Broadway production, remains as director - although casting has not yet been confirmed

A big-screen version would mean the idea coming full circle, since the musical - which came to the West End in 2006 and subsequently toured –  is based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Despite the financial success of the musical, not all Idle’s Python colleagues were delighted with the idea. 

The late Terry Jones thought it was ‘utterly pointless’ but conceded it was ‘terrific good fun’ for the audience, although John Cleese said: ‘ It's the silliest thing I’ve ever seen and I think Eric did a great job.’

Idle, who also co-wrote the songs with John Du Prez, is also a producer on the new movie version.

Published: 7 Jan 2021