Eddie snatches new film role

Izzard in Harvey Keitel heist flick

Eddie Izzard has landed a role in a new heist movie alongside Harvey Keitel, Dennis Hopper and Mickey Rourke.

The comic secured his place in Red Light Runners after working with its producer, Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen, on a Western.

Details of Izzard's role are still uncertain, but the film - now seeking finance in the UK - will be shot in London.

Radio One DJ Sara Cox and former EastEnder Martin Kemp also feature in the film.

After signing Izzard, movie co-producer Clark Westerman said: "We have deliberately sought recognised stars from both the UK and US to broaden our box-office appeal."

However the producers have set themselves a target of raising £2million by 17 July, with a further £6 million in total by 15 August, if the film is to go ahead.

It is trying to attract finance under the Government's Enterprise Investment Scheme, which allows tax breaks on money invested.

Westerman said: "This is not a minority art film. It is aimed at the UK and US mass markets and it has the benefit of a list of well-known, highly respected actors. The UK has a reputation as a great place to make films and also to raise finance."

Izzard has been involved in a slew of films over the past months, most of which have yet to be released in Britain.

He has played Charlie Chaplin in Peter Bogdanovich's The Cat's Meow, a transvestite soldier opposite Friends star Matt LeBlanc in All The Queen's Men and has a role in Alex Cox's A Revenger's Tragedy - not to mention Blueberry, the Western which also starred Masden.

Published: 7 Jul 2002

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