First Look Stan & Ollie Photo and Poster Reveals Transformation

The 62nd BFI London Film Festival announced they will premiere the much-anticipated Laurel & Hardy biopic Stan & Ollie as the festival’s closing night feature on October 21. Production has also released the first look at Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly’s transformation into Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, respectively. Make sure you check out the full image and teaser poster in the gallery below and let us know what you think!

The story centers on Laurel & Hardy, the world’s favorite comedy double act, who set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. Despite the pressure of a hectic schedule, with the support of their wives Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda) – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair’s love of performing, as well as love for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public. As they set out, crisscrossing the country, attendances are disappointingly low. But they’ve always been able to make each other laugh and as the charm and beauty of their performances shines through their audiences laugh too, and they re-connect with legions of adoring fans, old and new.

Steve Coogan (Philomena, Alan Partridge) plays Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly (Guardians of the Galaxy, Step Brothers) plays Oliver Hardy.

The film was directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth). The screenplay for the Laurel & Hardy biopic has been written Jeff Pope, the Oscar-nominated writer of Philomena. BBC Films developed the feature alongside Faye Ward’s Fable Pictures and Jeff Pope’s Sonesta Films.

“We’re delighted to be closing the BFI London Film Festival with this beautiful tribute to cinema’s early comedy odd couple, Laurel & Hardy,” said BFI London Film Festival Artistic Director, Tricia Tuttle. “A truly funny and touching story about a tender life-long friendship, Jon Baird’s film is also a must for movie fans, exploring the twilight years of two megawatt performers who had a meteoric rise to fame. These two prove that true comic timing is eternal, and it’s a perfect end to the Festival as the BFI looks ahead to our major UK-wide Comedy Genius season this autumn, as well as a month-long Laurel & Hardy season at BFI Southbank in January.”

“I’m really proud to be able to give the film its world premiere in London; a city that’s so dear to myself and I know was to Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy,” said director Jon S. Baird. “‘Stan & Ollie,’ at its heart, is a love story between old friends, who just happen to be two of the most iconic comedic characters in Hollywood’s history. I’m really excited to have the Closing Night film and to bring the movie to a Festival audience.”

The 62nd BFI London Film Festival will run from October 10 through October 21, 2018. The complete announcement for this year’s screenings at the festival will be announced on August 30, 2018.

Stan & Ollie is set to be released in the UK on January 11, 2019. There is no word yet on when the film will be released domestically.