And now for something completely different: a new Monty Python movie, starring Robin Williams.
Well, kinda. Sorta. A bit.
Heads turned recently when Forbes reported that four of the five surviving members of Britain's famed Monty Python comedy troop (everyone but Eric Idle) were reuniting for a new film. But those same heads nearly exploded when it was revealed that Robin Williams would step in to fill the hole left by the absent Idle and the late Graham Chapman.
On reflection, the marriage of Williams and the Pythons doesn't seem that far-fetched. After all, Williams has already appeared in two of Terry Gilliam's previous films, The Fisher King (for which Williams won critical accolades and an Oscar nomination), and the ambitious but financially unsuccessful The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Working with the rest of the group makes a certain amount of sense, yet engenders unease in die-hard Python fans, who fear that Williams's high-energy comedic style might not gel with the more laid-back British sensibilities of the Pythons. Time will tell.
The project, tentatively titled Absolutely Anything, is a sci-fi comedy about a teacher who makes the startling discovery that he has super powers. Python stalwart Terry Jones (who co-wrote and helmed The Life of Brian) will direct, with John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam all making appearances. The screenwriter is Gavin Scott (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Small Soldiers). The Wrap reports that non-Pythoners Benedict Cumberbatch (my second-favorite celebrity name of all time, just behind Saffron Burrows) and Gemma Aterton are also in discussions for roles.
Multiple news sources reveal that Python actor/writer Eric Idle has opted not to participate in the project. No official reason has been given for his absence, but he has been embroiled in legal battles with the other Pythons in recent years over royalties for his musical Spamalot, which is loosely based on the group's 1974 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
However, the group might be in the process of mending its fences: the IMDB entry for the film lists Idle as a contributing voice actor on the project
Filming on Absolutely Anything is slated to begin this April, with a hoped-for November theatrical release.
And there was much rejoicing.
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