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'Mortdecai': The books by Kyril Bonfiglioli come to the big screen

'Mortdecai' stars Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Paul Bettany.

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Michael Sohn/AP
'Mortdecai' stars Johnny Depp (l.) and Paul Bettany (r.).
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

With the upcoming release of the film “Mortdecai,” the book series by Kyril Bonfiglioli is heading to the cinema.

Bonfiglioli’s “Mortdecai” books were first published in the 1970s. They follow Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp in the film), an art dealer who is married to Johanna (actress Gwyneth Paltrow) and often accompanied by his manservant Jock (Paul Bettany). The books detailing his adventures include “Don’t Point That Thing At Me,” “After You With the Pistol,” and “Something Nasty in the Woodshed.” 

The movie also co-stars “The Newsroom” actress Olivia Munn, Ewan McGregor of “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” actor Jeff Goldblum.

The bumbling Charlie Mortdecai reminded Lionsgate chief executive Jon Feltheimer of a classic movie character.

He’s "a franchise-able character in the vein of 'The Pink Panther,'" Feltheimer said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The movie “Mortdecai” is scheduled to be released on Jan. 23.

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