Deadline brings word that British comedic actors Steve Coogan and David Mitchell have signed on to star in and upcoming satirical film from Sony Pictures International Productions and Film4.
The film will follow a retail clothing billionaire with a permanent tan and a narcissistic and cold lifestyle who hires a journalist to chronicle his life’s story. Coogan is set to star as the billionaire while Mitchell will play the journalist.
Director Micheal Winterbottom has ventured into this subject before with the 2015 documentary The Emperor’s New Clothes starring Russel Brand. The film received modest reviews from critics for its delving into the wage gap between the poor and the rich in London and New York, while also receiving criticism for some poor structuring and Brand’s antics on screen. Winterbottom previously collaborated with Coogan on The Trip films/series,
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The film is also being produced by Melissa Parmenter from Revolution Films, re-teaming her and Winterbottom from Emperor’s, and The Iron Lady‘s Damian Jones of DJ Films. Filming is set to begin in the fall, with the specific area being kept under wraps for now.
Mitchell, who is also writing the film, is known for his work on the British sitcom Peep Show that ran from 2003-15 and was most recently seen in the new British sitcom Back co-starring his comedic partner Robert Webb. Coogan has found considerable success on both sides of the pond, starring in acclaimed The Trip franchise and as the fictional news broadcaster for the BBC Alan Partridge for various series over the years leading up to the moderately successful film surrounding the character, as well as roles in the hit Despicable Me and Night at the Museum franchises
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
