Russell Brand On Playing A Drunk In ‘Arthur’ & The Easter Bunny In ‘Hop’
First Published: March 28, 2011 8:14 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood
Caption Access Extended: Russell Brand Shares His Royal Wedding Plans
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Russell Brand is about to face off with himself at the box office, with two movies opening next month – “Hop” and “Arthur” – two very different films.
For “Hop,” Russell voiced the Easter Bunny, while in Arthur, he takes on the title role first played by Dudley Moore, an intriguing character that the Brit was able to use his personal history to inform.
“I watched it a lot… ‘cause when you’re a kid it’s fun because [he’s] always drunk and everything,” Russell said of his memories of watching the 1981 original film.
”[I’ve] been thinking about it. Now, I think that film made me grow to become an alcoholic… it makes it seem like it’s a big laugh… I think it contributed to my subsequent alcoholism [I] only conquered eight years ago after a hell of a lot of trouble,” Russell joked, making light of his past troubles, which have included issues with drugs, alcohol and sex addiction.
When asked if it was hard to revisit his past demons by playing the role, which film audiences can catch on April 8, Russell said he focused on the fun times.
“I tried not to revisit the demonic aspect of my own alcoholism,” Russell said. “I try to remember times when I was drunk and fun because Arthur is a fun drunk. He’s a laugh, is a joy to be around… He’s a good, lovely, fun drunk.”
As for voicing the Easter Bunny in “Hop,” Russell said it was his role in another animated film that got him the part.
“I was in the film ‘Despicable Me’ and the makers of the film said, ‘Would you like to be the Easter Bunny?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ and they said, ‘It’s on a film.’ And I said, ‘Even better!’”
Russell said he enjoyed in the opportunity even more because it paired him up with “House” star and fellow Brit Hugh Laurie.
“I love him. I’m a massive fan of ‘Blackadder,’” Russell said, referring to the UK comedy, which Hugh appeared in, in the ‘80s. “Truly, truly love Hugh Laurie.
Russell said his wife, Katy Perry, hasn’t yet seen “Hop,” which is due out April 1, but she was supportive from the start.
“She’s not yet seen it yet because she’s away working, but she thought it was a fantastic idea and she was very happy about it,” he said.
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