This Friday sees the release of Easter-themed family film Hop, in which comedian Russell Brand stars as the voice of the animated Easter Bunny – the latest in a long line of increasingly prominent Hollywood roles for the British star who began his career as a stand-up comedian.
Following his caddish role in St Trinian’s, Brand really made his mark on the Hollywood scene with Forgetting Sarah Marshall, slotting comfortably into the popular comedy set alongside Jason Segel, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill and Bill Hader.
Since taking on the role of Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall the roles have come thick and fast transforming Brand from stand up comedian to Hollywood leading man.
And last year he took on his first lead role as he reprised the role of Snow in Get Him To The Greek, which saw him team up once again with Jonah Hill.
Directed by Nicholas Stoller and produce by Judd Apatow the movie opened at #1 at the UK box office but was edged out in the U.S by Shrek Forever After.
Hop is not the first time that Brand has lent his voice to an animated character as he put in a great vocal turn; you really cannot tell that it’s him, as Dr Nefario in Despicable Me.
The movie was a monster hit when it was released last autumn and went on to be the eighth biggest grossing movie of 2010.
Having shown acting gravitas in The Tempest alongside Helen Mirren, Alan Cumming and Chris Cooper, Brand is set to take the eponymous role in a remake of Dudley Moore classic Arthur later this year.
But Hop is his latest movie project as he teams up with James Marsden in a movie that blends state of the art animation with live action.
Hop tells the comic tale of Fred (Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up.
With his marriage to singer Katy Perry making constant headlines, and leading roles stacking up, it seems that Brand’s Hollywood star is firmly on the rise.
But those worried that Hollywood might temper his trademark wit and edge needn’t worry too much – E.B. the Easter Bunny is, after all, depicted as a rebellious teen who’d rather be playing drums than delivering Easter eggs!
Hop is released 1st April.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Russell Brand