Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

blockbuster news

Irish comedy 'The Stag' is about to be remade by a major Hollywood studio

This is a big, big deal.

stagcropped Andrew Scott, Amy Huberman, and Peter McDonald at the UK premiere of 'The Stag' Ian West / PA Ian West / PA / PA

IRISH DIRECTOR JOHN Butler’s 2014 comedy hit The Stag is going to be remade for American audiences.

Warner Brothers, one of the ‘Big Six’ US film studios, has acquired the remake rights for the film, which starred Sherlock’s Andrew Scott and co-writer Peter McDonald.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie from London tonight, Butler confirmed the deal, which was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter this afternoon.

It’s great. It’ll be really interesting to see what they make of it.
I think it’s the first Irish Film Board funded film, and maybe the first Irish film full-stop, to be acquired for remake by an American studio, so it’s new ground.

The Stag was released in the US under the title The Bachelor Weekend, a change that hinted at the balance to be struck when exporting a familiar theme (male bonding) from one cultural context to another.

Movieclips Film Festivals & Indie Films / YouTube

Butler, who starts filming his new movie Handsome Devil in Ireland in August, says he’s not worried.

We always wanted to make a universal story. We were so thrilled when it did as well as it did in Ireland, but we always hoped to make something that would resonate universally.
So it’s really cool to hear the news today, because it seems to confirm that.

There’s no word yet on which Hollywood stars might sign on for roles originally played by Irish actors like Brian Gleeson and Amy Huberman.

Butler says he’s “heard some rumours,” but was unwilling to share them with TheJournal.ie.

Read: ‘The industry is coming to Ireland in a big way’ – Bright future for Irish film with these talented graduates>

Read: Irish actor Jack Reynor wins top prize at Sundance Film Festival>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
17
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.