'...in the tone of Beetlejuice'

The 1991 Rik Mayall comedy film Drop Dead Fred is to be remade – with Russell Brand in the starring role.

Dennis McNicholas, a longtime writer on Saturday Night Live, is reworking the script for Universal Studios.

The decision to remake the movie might raise eyebrows, as the original was a critical and box-office flop. However, it has gained some cult status, and trade magazine The Hollywood Reporter says it ‘is considered a film that fell short of its full potential’.

The magazine adds: ‘The take for the new Fred is to make a film in the tone of Beetlejuice, building a universe around the concept of imaginary friends. Brand would play the trouble-making pal.’

The original starred Phoebe Cates as a meek woman who revives her childhood imaginary friend after losing her job and husband.

Brand is currently shooting Get Him To The Greek – a spin-off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall – also for Universal; and he has also been lined up to star in a remake of Arthur.

Published: 28 Apr 2009