Brand: 'Elkann inspires new Arthur'

Russell Brand has cited Lapo Elkann as an inspiration for his lead role in this year's Arthur remake.

Speaking to Total Film magazine, the actor and comedian told of his fascination with the millionaire playboy, comparing him to lovesick drunk Arthur Bach who was made famous by Dudley Moore in the original 1981 classic.

Brand said: "I looked at the heir to the Fiat fortune and the way he dressed. I also saw him at a basketball game and the ball came near him and he lashed out at it in a drunken way.

"I don't know why he did it. Perhaps he saw it as part of some demonic fantasy?"

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