Our Simon lands part in mission: Impossible: 3
Brockworth may be a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. But Tinseltown has a lot more in common with Gloucestershire than you might think. For actor and Brockworth School old boy Simon Pegg has been cast alongside Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise in the next instalment of the Mission: Impossible movie series, M:I:3.
Simon, 34, will play an ally to Cruise's character Ethan Hunt in the multi-million pound flick.
Simon has been selective when deciding on projects after the success of Shaun of the Dead - the comedy horror movie he co-wrote and starred in.
But his father John Beckingham, who lives in Brockworth, said he was excited his son had landed a part in M:I:3.
"I'm very proud of him obviously," said John, from his Green Way home.
"We found out some time ago, but obviously you don't let anyone know until these things are tied up." He said filming was currently under way on the film in Los Angeles, although it is understood filming is also planned for China and Italy before its May 2006 release.
"I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and he was jet-lagged because I think the filming is in America," said John.
And although he hasn't seen the first two Mission Impossible movies, John said he would be first in the queue for the latest offering.
"I don't go to the cinema because I don't have the time," he said. "The last time I went was to watch Shaun of the Dead so I will definitely watch this one." The movie's director J.J. Abrams said he was delighted to be working with Simon.
"I've been dying to work with Simon since I saw Shaun of the Dead," he said.
"His comedic skill is remarkable; he's able to be hysterically funny while always seeming 100% real, even when he's killing zombies with vinyl records." And Simon's proud dad added: "He's done well for a Gloucester boy but this is just the beginning - believe me.
"I think he loves TV and film and is very talented, although I guess I'm a bit biased in that view." For more information on the movie visit www.missionimpossible.com.