Four McGregors for the price of one

Peter Capaldi's new film concerns a film within a film, with McGregor playing an actor, a stand-in and two historical characters.

Jun  1 2005

Ewan McGregor is to play four different roles in a forthcoming British comedy about a film within a film.

The 'Trainspotting' star, who is currently appearing in the West End production of 'Guys and Dolls' at the Piccadilly Theatre, will shoot the as yet untitled project early next year, under the guidance of writer-director Peter Capaldi ('Strictly Sinatra').

The convoluted plot follows the 1930's shoot of an epic film about the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Chaos ensues when the lead actor goes missing and the producers are forced to use an unassuming extra in his role.

McGregor will appear as the star, the stand-in extra and both of the 18th century characters they play in the film.

'I have wanted to work with Peter forever, and this project could not be a better film to do together' McGregor said. 'He has written a compelling, complex, original, sweet, funny and eccentric movie, and for me the challenge of playing several roles in it is most exciting.'