The Full Monty star Robert Carlyle admits he initially hated it and called it a “load of f*****g p**h” – but is now filming its TV sequel.
The movie – about a group of unemployed former Sheffield steelworks who turn to stripping to make a living – became a worldwide box office hit 25 years ago.
Now Scots actor Robert and the rest of the original cast – including Mark Addy and Hugo Speer – are back for an eight-part series for Disney+ created by the movie’s Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, and its producer, Uberto Pasolini.
The plot catches up with the characters as they navigate healthcare, education and employment.
Disney+ said the series “will explore the brighter, sillier and more humane way forward where communal effort can still triumph over adversity”.
Robert, 60, won a Best Actor Bafta, as Gaz, but initially wasn’t convinced it was any good and said it was a “tough shoot”.
After the first cut, it was expected to go straight to video. Then Pasolini got rid of the director and had the film re-edited.
It cost £2million to make but went on to rake in £154million at the box office, becoming the 10th biggest film of 1997. It was nominated for four Oscars, winning for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, and also got a Bafta for Best Film.
It became such a sensation that Prince Charles imitated a scene where the characters performed a dance routine while queueing for benefits.
Beaufoy said: “We’re chuffed to bits to get all the Monty men back together again – now with a chaotic entourage of children, grandchildren, pets and assorted hangers-on – to see what life in Sheffield is like
25 years on.”
Beaufoy also turned it into a successful stage show and a franchise of ITV celebrity specials recreating routines for charity. Filming of the TV series began in Sheffield and Manchester yesterday.
Lee Mason, director of scripted content for Disney +, said: “Twenty-five years ago Simon introduced us to a group of funny, fearless and resilient unemployed working-class men from Sheffield and the world fell in love with them.
“We’re delighted to reunite the original cast for this
brand-new series on Disney+ to catch up with these iconic characters.”
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