British actor Rowan Atkinson visits McLaren garage during Indian F1 Grand Prix. AP 
English

Rowan Atkinson is our modern-day Charlie Chaplin: Emma Thompson

The actors have worked together in films "The Tall Guy", "Love Actually" and most recently "Johnny English Strikes Again".

From our online archive

LOS ANGELES: Actress Emma Thompson says English actor-comedian Rowan Atkinson is our modern-day Charlie Chaplin.

The actors have worked together in films "The Tall Guy", "Love Actually" and most recently "Johnny English Strikes Again".

Speaking of Atkinson, Thompson said in a statement: "I've worked with him on and off for years, and I've admired him for years. I really do think he's a remarkable presence in our cultural pantheon."

"He's our Buster Keaton (late actor-comedian), our modern-day Charlie Chaplin really. You don't need to hear him speak, he's just funny," she added.

Thompson plays the role of a Prime Minister in "Johnny English Strikes Again".

"She's a real mix. She's (Margaret) Thatcher and (Theresa) May. She is the darkest version of those politicians who use their office because the power appeals. By the time we get to meet her, she is desperate," she said.

"She is making quite catastrophic decisions. Even though this is a comedy and is silly, it has been interesting to think, well what if you did hold that kind of power. This PM feels herself to be very important, and as she senses that slipping away, it makes her desperate, like a caged animal."

"Johnny English Strikes Again" is the third instalment of the "Johnny English" comedy series, with Atkinson returning as the accidental secret agent.

It will release in India on September 28.

Dense fog, poor air and cold wave grip large parts of north and east India

88 injured in loco train collision in hydropower project tunnel in Chamoli

History does not move in straight lines

Zomato, Swiggy offer increased payout to gig workers amid strike call by unions on New Year's Eve

EAM Jaishankar reaches Dhaka to attend former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's funeral

SCROLL FOR NEXT