David Earl & Chris Hayward Interview: Brian And Charles
Robot is man's best friend in Brian And Charles, a delightful British comedy from Focus Features, which is currently in theaters. Directed by Jim Archer and written by its stars David Earl and Chris Hayward, the film is based on the trio's own 2017 short. And before that, it was an internet radio show born from Earl's own stand-up comedy routine, proving that good ideas can always keep growing.
Brian And Charles follows a lonely Welsh inventor named Brian (Earl) who almost accidentally brings a robot to life. After coming to an agreement on the name Charles Petrescu (Hayward), the duo are inseparable for a time. The only problem is that Brian can't let anyone find out about Charles for fear he'll be taken away — especially when his neighbor Eddie (Jamie Michie) can't seem to keep his hands to himself. With Charles' help, though, and with a little nudge from potential lady love Hazel (Louise Brealey), Brian might learn to stand up for himself and his new friend.
Related: Brian And Charles Is A Charming, Funny & Heartfelt Comedy About Friendship
Screen Rant spoke to Earl and Hayward about the journey Brian And Charles took from an internet radio show to a short film, and finally to a feature-length movie production. They also discussed incorporating characters like the kindhearted Hazel and villainous Eddie, and how they grounded the weirdness of the story in some semblance of reality.
Screen Rant: David, how did the role of Brian begin for you? What inspired him and how has he most evolved?
David Earl: I was kind of told to do stand up, because I'd made a couple of really rough short movies and little video diaries. I got an agent, and the agent said, «You need to do stand up and get yourself out there.» I go, «Really, do
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