‘Stan & Ollie’ Biopic Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly to Close London Film Festival

Stan & Ollie has been chosen to close the 62nd BFI London Film Festival, which will run October 10th – October 21th.

The biopic tells the story of Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Hardy (Oscar nominee John C. Reilly, Chicago), the world’s most famous comedy duo, as they attempt to reignite their film careers by embarking on what becomes their swan song – a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain. Nina Arianda and Shirley Henderson play their long-suffering wives. The film is directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth) and written by Jeff Pope (Philomena). The world premiere will take place on October 21st at the Cineworld, Leicester Square.

“This beautiful tribute to cinema’s early comedy odd couple, Laurel & Hardy,” stated BFI London Film Festival Artistic Director Tricia Tuttle, “a truly funny and touching story about a tender life-long friendship…is also exploring the twilight years of two mega-watt performers who had a meteoric rise to fame. These two prove that true comic timing is eternal.”

While Entertainment One will release Stan & Ollie in the UK and Ireland on January 11th, 2019, there are currently no North American dates or distributor set yet.

The full festival program will be announced on August 30th.