Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly to portray Laurel and Hardy

Deadline reports that Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly have signed up to play comedy legends Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

They will star in the movie titled ‘Stan & Ollie’, which will be directed by Scottish writer and director Jon S. Baird, best known for 2013’s Filth.

Baird revealed his delight at helming the project “Like so many others I grew up watching Laurel & Hardy and I’m therefore honoured to help bring this incredible true story of love, laughter and friendship to the big screen.”

Rather than the comedy duo’s glory days, the story meets up with them on their tour of variety halls in Britain in 1953. With their fame somewhat diminished, the duo embarked on a tour of the UK, but were unable to emulate the fame they once enjoyed in Hollywood, playing to small crowds around the country. Though the tour later becomes a hit, Hardy’s failing health, as well as ghosts of their past, threaten to derail their partnership.

Stan & Ollie will be made by BBC Films with production to begin soon.