Ralph Fiennes is in talks to star in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s first feature film as a duo writing/directing team with the newly titled Cemetery Junction (previously titled The Man From the Pru) say Variety. 

Fiennes is the first name we’ve heard for Gervais’1970’s set movie “about class and love in a small town”. It’s said he isn’t officially on board just yet because he is working out his schedule for the final Harry Potter saga, his new role in Clash of the Titans and his directorial debut with Shakespeare’s Coriolanus. The man has never been so popular. 

Gervais explains the meaning behind the new title on his blog…

There’s something retro and weighty about it without feeling gritty or pretentious. It sounds like a 60’s novel. Yes? Good. 

Fiennes is a little bit of a surprising name as Gervais and Merchant had previously mentioned they were casting a group of unknowns for his movie, like they did with The Office. Which makes me think Fiennes will be playing someone of authority in the film (maybe the boss of the new office?) and it will be a supporting player part (the 3rd or 4th main part). 

Not so keen on the new title, sounds very much like a “working title” to a real film. Like Batman Begins had the working title Intimidation Game… it sounds like that. Hopefully Gervais and Merchant will come up with something better somewhere down the line, or maybe it will grow on me?