‘Alan Partridge’ star heads up cast of ‘Boswell For The Defence’
Highland Film Group has announced that Academy-nominated, BAFTA Award-winning actor Steve Coogan (‘Philomena,’ ‘The Trip’) has signed on to play the title role of James Boswell in a feature film adaptation of acclaimed West End play, ‘Boswell For The Defence.’
‘Boswell For The Defence’ tells the true story of how James Boswell (Coogan), in the twilight of his career and life, takes on an impossible case – to save the life of the convict Mary Bryant from the gallows. A case no one else wants or cares about. The tragi-comic Boswell is the most unlikely hero from the most unlikely quarter. But he manages to find his past brilliance long enough to save the day.
Production is set for 2015 with Gregor Jordan (‘Buffalo Soldiers,’ ‘Ned Kelly’) directing from a script by Patrick Edgeworth, who also wrote the play.
Mark Pennell and Steve Chasman will produce, with Armyan Bernstein of Beacon Pictures serving as executive producer.
Commenting on the casting, Pennell and Chasman said: “Whether it be ‘Lincoln’ or ‘Thatcher’, bringing a historical figure to life is always a challenge, but Steve’s (Coogan) extraordinary ability to blend humour and pathos make him the perfect artist to bring such a complex character like Boswell to the screen. We are excited to see him make this role his own.”