EastEnders star Danny Dyer and theatre actor Sir Derek Jacobi have joined a cast of comedians and “screen legends” for an upcoming Christmas film.
Tinsel Town follows Bradley Mack – played by the star of 24, Kiefer Sutherland – a failed Hollywood action hero who arrives in a small village to join the local production of Cinderella.
It also stars Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson.
Dyer, best known for playing pub landlord Mick Carter in EastEnders and roles in Human Traffic and The Football Factory, will play a villager.
Mack meets a group of “oddballs” who are being choreographed by a character played by Wilson in the panto-like production.
Among the villagers is Shakespearean actor Sir Derek, also known for the Gladiator films, comedian Mawaan Rizwan, Waterloo Road actor and comedian Jason Manford, Ted Lasso star James Lance and Emily In Paris actor Lucien Laviscount.
London-based Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan plays Mack’s long suffering agent, and Goodness Gracious Me actress Meera Syal is the production’s director.
Julia Stuart, director of original film at Sky, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome such a phenomenal array of talent to Tinsel Town.”
She described Sir Derek and Syal as “screen legends”, and praised Ryan and Dyer’s “comedic energy”.
“This cast is truly something special,” Stuart added.
“Their chemistry and unique performances will bring an extra layer of magic, mischief and heart to what promises to be a festive treat for Sky audiences. We can’t wait to share it with the world later this year.”
Directed by Chris Foggin, who has worked on comedies Fisherman’s Friends and Bank Of Dave, Tinsel Town is scheduled for Sky Cinema at Christmas this year.
Sky developed the film in association with Future Artists Entertainment and Mister Smith Entertainment.
David Garrett of Mister Smith Entertainment said it would be a “delightfully funny and heartwarming movie” and a “fun ride”.
Matt Williams of Future Artists Entertainment added: “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the incredible ensemble we’ve put together for this film, every actor brings such heart and magic to the story and together they’ve created something truly special.”
Tinseltown is often used to refer to Hollywood because of the glittering image associated with the film industry.
