Monty Python members to re-unite for new film

LOS ANGELES — Members of iconic British comedy group "Monty Python" will re-unite for a new film, a science fiction farce, ex-Python Terry Jones said.

"Absolutely Anything" will not be a Python film as such, but key members of the gang, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, are involved, said Jones, who will direct the movie.

US comic Robin Williams will also lend his voice to the film, which will combine animation and live action, while producers are attempting to sign up the other surviving Python member, Eric Idle, for the project.

"It's not a Monty Python picture, but it certainly has that sensibility," Jones told industry daily Variety, adding filming was expected to begin in Britain in the coming months.

The original Python members -- who first joined forces on surreal TV series "Monty Python's Flying Circus" -- will voice a group of aliens who give an earthling the power to do "absolutely anything" to see what a mess he makes.

Williams will play a talking dog called Dennis, who seems to understand more than anyone else about what happens as a result.

Jones co-directed the 1974 "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with Gilliam, as well as directing "Life of Brian" and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life."

"Life of Brian" producer Mike Medavoy will be one of several producers on the new project, based on a script by Jones and Gavin Scott developed over the last two decades.

"Terry and Gavin have crafted a classic farce -- something I feel I know a little about after all the 'Pink Panther' pictures we did with (director) Blake Edwards and United Artists," he said.

"In fact, the movie even has a pompous Frenchman reminiscent of Inspector Clouseau," a character which could be played by Williams, while other key roles have yet to be decided, he said.

The five surviving Python members last reunited in a 1998 appearance at the Aspen Comedy Festival, along with an urn which allegedly contained the ashes of late member Graham Chapman, who died in 1989.