Alan Partridge, the doltish radio and television host, is ready for his big screen close-up.
Studiocanal said Tuesday that it has acquired theatrical rights in the United Kingdom for "The Alan Partridge Movie," which will begin shooting on January 7, 2013. The film will be released in that country on August 16, 2013.
British comic Steve Coogan's most famous creation is beloved across the pond, but nearly unknown here. Partridge is narcissistic, politically incorrect and socially maladroit. He first appeared on BBC radio in 1992, and has starred in a series of television shows over the ensuing decades.
In a statement, Coogan channeled Partridge to comment on the news.
“I'm simultaneously gladdened and pleased to see a British film being co-funded by the French dudes at Studiocanal," Partridge said. "This is without doubt the greatest Anglo-French co-operation since the Normandy landings. This time, the heroes aren't Allied servicemen – they're motion picture financiers, who are equally brave."
Coogan ("Tropic Thunder") will star and co-write the film with Peter Baynham, Armando Iannucci, Neil and Rob Gibbons. Declan Lowney ("Wild About Harry") directs.
