Coogan makes a bid for Hollywood fame

Comedy star Steve Coogan is making a bid for international stardom with his new Hollywood film – because he’s bored with his success in Britain.

Coogan has a starring role as Phileas Fogg in the movie version of the Jules Verne classic Around The World in 80 Days.

His comic creation Alan Partridge made him a household name in the UK but Coogan now aims to become a global star.

“In the UK I did have a degree of success but I’ve done as much as I can do there. All I could do is repeat the success I’ve already had.

“This is a great opportunity for me to do new things and move the game on,” he said.

“I may do some more stuff with Alan Partridge at some point. I’ll continue to do things in the UK because I enjoy it but this has given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons.”

The 37-year-old comic has already appeared on the big screen in 24 Hour Party People and The Parole Officer.

He is soon to star as diarist Samuel Pepys in a BBC costume drama.

In Around The World in 80 Days he stars alongside action hero Jackie Chan, who plays Fogg’s sidekick Passepartout.

The pair were at the Cannes Film Festival today to promote the movie.

Verne’s novel was made into a famous 1950’s film with David Niven but director Frank Coraci has made some big changes to the new version.

Fogg has been turned into an inventor, a flying machine has been added to aid his travel, and a variety of hair-raising stunts have been written in to showcase Chan’s talents.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a cameo role as a prince who tries to kidnap Fogg’s sweetheart Monique, played by actress Cecile de France.

Kathy Bates plays Queen Victoria, John Cleese is The Balloon Man, Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent is baddie Lord Kelvin and Jackass creator Johnny Knoxville plays an eccentric hobo.

The film is being shot on location in Thailand and Germany and is due for release next year.