Russell Brand 'honoured to reprise Moore role'

Russell Brand has insisted that it was an honour to follow in legendary comedian Dudley Moore's footsteps by starring in the remake of Arthur.

In an interview to promote the film, the British actor was questioned as to whether he tried to put his own stamp on the role by avoiding Moore's Oscar-nominated performance as a drunken playboy.

"It's too late for me to avoid Dudley Moore," Brand replied, according to The Chicago Tribune. "I grew up ten minutes away from where Dudley Moore was from.

"Arthur was one of my favourite movies as a kid, so when I was offered to play the part that made Dudley Moore a star, I was truly honoured. I watched it again to refresh myself on it and also because I don't drink anymore - I haven't had a drink in eight years."

Brand went on to explain that having to portray someone who is constantly drunk proved to be a true test to his own sobriety.

Rather than fall back into old habits, the comic resolved to prepare for the role by studying how alcoholism has been portrayed on screen in the past.

"When I realised I was going to be spending this whole movie pretending to be drunk - I mean nothing but drunkenness and being in underpants, two things that I seldom do - I thought I'd better study up," the star asserted.

"I not only watched Arthur, but Charles Laughton's Hobson's Choice, Nicolas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas. Now there are some great drunken performances."

Arthur is now playing in the US and debuts on April 22 in UK cinemas.

Watch the trailer for Arthur below:



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