Peter Kay has discussed his plans for a Phoenix Nights film, and how he plans to use de-aging technology for the project.
A spin-off of a sketch from his mockumentary series That Peter Kay Thing, Phoenix Nights was written by Kay, Neil Fitzmaurice and Dave Spikey. It ran for two series from 2001-02, and followed the misadventures of the staff and patrons of a working men’s club in Bolton.
The comedy launched Peter Kay as a star, and got its own spin-off, Max And Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, which aired in 2004.
Its loyal fanbase have wanted a return to the show for some time, and Kay discussed his plans for a big screen return while appearing on BBC Radio Sheffield. Speaking to presenter Toby Foster, who played backing musician Les Campbell on the show, Kay disclosed that he has been researching “de-aging” technology, given that the movie features many flashbacks.
“Honestly I went on this ChatGPT and I’ve asked a lot of questions about de-aging because what I’ve written there’s a lot of flashbacks,” he said. Foster joked that the cast haven’t aged much, to which Kay made a joke regarding cast member Paddy McGuinness’ hairline.
“I mean… I’m not talking about you,” he quipped, “I’m talking about [using] AI to put hair onto Paddy’s head, that’s what I’m talking about!”
Furthering the discussion on de-aging technology, he said: “I thought, you know I don’t want to do make-up. So I’ve been looking and obviously they did that film The Irishman with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci and they made them all look younger and Al Pacino, but that was seven years ago.”
He continued: “It’s got cheaper now, but as I’m just looking into it, it’s become a bit more like not as expensive. So I thought I just need to make sure it doesn’t look dodgy, but I’d love to do that. I mean I’m all right for (lead character) Brian because I look older. Can you believe when I did Brian I was 26?”
Previously, the comedian had told Capital Radio in November (Via M.E.N.) that the script for a Phoenix Nights film was “done”.
Recently, Peter Kay reunited with actress Lisa Riley after comparing a heckler to her at a recent gig.
The post Peter Kay has plans for a ‘Phoenix Nights’ revival appeared first on NME.