We’re Getting A New Monty Python Movie
A new Monty Python movie is on the way. Say what?
This article is more than 2 years old
Monty Python is one of the most influential and well-respected comedy troupes in history. There is an argument to be made that they are the most important sketch comedy group of all time. In addition to their groundbreaking television series, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the team also produced a number of delightful comedy films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Though some of the crew have passed away, it looks like we are going to be getting a new film that is a riff on one of their classic movies.
Monty Python’s Spamalot is a Broadway musical spin on Monty Python and the Holy Grail that has gone to be a very successful musical stage production over the last decade. Deadline has revealed that Paramount has obtained the rights to Monty Python’s Spamalot and will be producing a feature film version of the musical. Casey Nicholaw, who was the original choreographer for the Broadway musical, will be in the director’s chair. Monty Python member Eric Idle is on scriptwriting duties.
As of now, we don’t know if Idle will be the only member of the troupe involved in the film production. While there could be the potential for some cameos, it is very likely that there could be a very limited number of cameos or possibly none. Monty Python’s Spamalot is a particular riff on the classic comedy film and does its best to stand on its own merits. Maybe Idle will make an appearance but that is the only one we would bet on showing up in the film.
There is definitely an intention here to get Monty Python’s Spamalot up and running as soon as possible. Deadline says that the production is hoping to start casting immediately. It is also very likely that Paramount wants to position this as an Oscar darling. The original Broadway production won the Tony for Best Musical in 2005 and certainly has the potential to be a breakout hit for Paramount. It seems like the major movie studios are getting back into big musical productions after the success of The Greatest Showman. In addition to this, we will also see In the Heights and West Side Story this year. Clearly, move studios are banking on musicals making a big comeback.
And why shouldn’t they? Hamilton was an enormous success on Disney+. It certainly seems like folks are here for musicals. Yeah, Cats was a disaster but that had more to do with its particular visual choices. The songs of Monty Python’s Spamalot are all very fun, silly, and even catchy. And if the visual approach of the film can be as equally pleasant as the soundtrack, Paramount could have a real hit on their hands.
We will have to wait and see how quickly the studio can get Monty Python’s Spamalot up and running. If they can get into production quickly enough, we will probably see the film hit theater screens – or maybe Paramount+? – in 2022.
