DVD Features

Get To Know Richard Ayoade in The Watch

By Provided by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Nov 8, 2012, 15:37 GMT

There\'s trouble brewing in peaceful Glenview, Ohio. That\'s why four civic-minded citizens, armed with flashlights, walkie-talkies and spiffy new jackets, have teamed up to safeguard their community. But the guys find more than they bargained for when they uncover an alien plot to destroy Earth, and now these bumbling heroes are Glenview\'s only chance to save the neighborhood - and the world - from annihilation! ...more

With the sci-fi comedy The Watch landing on DVD and Blu-ray November 13th from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, M&C was sent a look at one of the stars - British funnyman Richard Ayoade.

Here, we will give fans of the film more information about Ayoade, including past work like Bunny & the Bull and The Mighty Boosh, and his upcoming projects like The Double.

Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade take male bonding to hilarious new heights in this outrageous, no-holds-barred comedy that gets funnier every time you watch! There’s trouble brewing in peaceful Glenview, Ohio. That’s why four civic-minded citizens, armed with flashlights, walkie-talkies and spiffy new jackets, have teamed up to safeguard their community.

But the guys find more than they bargained for when they uncover an alien plot to destroy Earth, and now these bumbling heroes are Glenview’s only chance to save the neighborhood — and the world — from annihilation.

Garth Marenghi

Richard Ayoade attended Cambridge University and served as president of the renowned dramatic club Footlights. Along with his classmate, Matthew Holness, Ayoade co-created a series of comedy horror projects surrounding the character Garth Marenghi, a parody of real-life author Stephen King. Ayoade received a Perrier Award for co-writing and performing in the second film, Garth Marennghi’s Netherhead, and grew in popularity once appearing as a series regular in the TV series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.

The Mighty Boosh

Ayoade continued to grow in the British comedy scene when he was selected to join the comedy troupe The Mighty Boosh. He appeared in the television series of the same name that was made up of musical numbers, animation sequences, puppet shows, and special effects. He played Saboo, a shaman DJ, who is in constant conflict with his fellow peers, even to the point of plotting murder! The series (2004-2007) eventually made its way over the pond when it began airing on Adult Swim in 2009. 

The IT Crowd

Both British and Canadian audiences recognize Ayoade from his most famous role as Maurice in the sitcom The IT Crowd. The show aired in 2006 and had a successful two-year run. Ayoade plays the stereotypical nerd perfectly. He is socially awkward, lives with his mother, and has a freakish knowledge about computers. His ability to own these silly qualities captures viewers and adds great chemistry to the dynamic of the show. 

Bunny & the Bull

Many comedians often work together on several projects throughout their careers. This is the case for the group who worked with Ayoade on the Garth Marenghi titles as well as The Mighty Boosh when he was cast as the offbeat tour guide in the 2009 Paul King comedy Bunny & the Bull. The film follows two friends who take a road trip around Europe and Ayoade plays one of the interesting characters they meet along the way. His performance is recognized by critics as clever and in perfect synch with the reunited cast.

The Watch

Ayoade plays the new guy in town in the 2012 sci-fi comedy directed by Akiva Schaffer. His character Jamarcus joins The Watch, a neighborhood protection squad, played by some of the biggest comedic actors in Hollywood - Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Jonah Hill.  His character seems to fit right in with the boys as they go on a mission to solve a recent murder.  This performance marks his first major role in an American feature and has audiences asking for more Ayoade.

The Double

The British comedian is stepping behind the camera for his second full-length feature, The Double, a comedy about a man who goes mad when he sees his doppelganger. Rising actors Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska star in the film along with many people from Ayoade’s first feature Submarine. Film4, the production company that is financing the project, is proud to be working with Ayoade, calling him a “unique voice” that is sure to create a film that is, if not more successful than his first.