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Steve Coogan Set to Sail Again in 'Cruise of the Gods' Remake

by Ethan Anderton
July 21, 2010
Source: 24 Frames

Though I've enjoyed many British comedy driven films like Shaun of the Dead, In The Loop and Death at a Funeral (not the urban remake from Chris Rock) somehow the fanboy fueled film Cruise of the Gods has slipped through my fingers. The comedy followed a fan cruise in honor of a fictitious science-fiction series and the clashes amongst the cast when they reunite several decades after the series went off the air. Steve Coogan (Hamlet 2) played one of the stars who has since become more successful than the others and now 24 Frames reports he will reprise his role in a new remake of the film currently titled The Great Beyond.

Sounds like Galaxy Quest but without all the science fiction action, and since I love the comedy in that film, British comedy, and Steve Coogan, this sounds like it's right up my alley. Like 24 Frames, I've been waiting for Coogan to catch a big break like fellow Brit comedian Ricky Gervais and it sounds like he may finally be getting it with this Focus Features remake. Hamlet 2 and his appearance in Tropic Thunder were steps in the right direction and this summer's The Other Guys will be another. However, Coogan needs a leading role comparable to Gervais' underrated comedies Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying to actually break out.

In addition to Coogan's involvement, Dinner for Schmucks co-writers Dave Guion and Michael Handelman will be writing the remake and making their directorial debut with this as well. Hopefully this is Coogan's potential break out gig, but only time will tell what happens. Stay tuned! Anyone else a fan of Coogan?

Explore tags: Casting, Movie News, Opinions

Bash

"Coogan needs a leading role comparable to Gervais' underrated comedies Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying..." The Invention of Lying. Underrated!!! Are you serious? Any credibility you may have had just went out the window!
http://iconocritic.com peloquin

I love The Invention of Lying...such a unique and brilliant concept executed perfectly. I laughed my ass off while entering into a introspective journey regarding relationships, religion, life, and politics. It also gave me a deeper understanding about the reasons people need the comfort of religion and why they cling to it even though it's a lie. People want to believe something because it's a lot less scary then the unknown. ...What didn't you like about it 1? Were you offended by it's depiction of the Christian faith?
Bash

"What didn't you like about it 1? Were you offended by it's depiction of the Christian faith?" Absolutely not! It was an interesting concept which was executed poorly through a narrow construct. The acting was weak and that includes actors who act for a day job - Jennifer Garner is one example. I count myself as a Ricky Gervais fan and this was a big miss on his part.
Tice

I am confused about the "urban" label you attached to the Chris Rock version of "Death at a Funeral." Why not just say the American version?
http://alienvariety.co.uk Ben

@peloquin I love Gervais too, especially his podcasts, Office and Extras, but The Invention of Lying and Ghost Town were both absolutely atrocious. Good films aren't platforms to boost careers and patronise viewers with shallow portrayals of religion. Make a statement - fine, but do it without wrecking a film with an otherwise intriguing premise. @Bash - totally agree. Think this brief article by Ethan was a bit misjudged. Both Ghost Town and IoL aren't really British humour, they're tailored to what Gervais thinks Americans will buy. (Palatable shit basically...no offence.)