Cast for Ricky Gervais' Netflix dark comedy 'After Life' confirmed, and fans of 'Extras' will be thrilled
The cast for Ricky Gervais' Netflix dark comedy 'After Life' has been now been confirmed, with the production for the show reportedly already underway. Gervais, who serves as creator, executive producer, and director, will also be starring and will be joined by quite the stellar cast.
Besides Gervais, also featuring in the series are Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Shaun of the Dead), David Bradley (Game of Thrones, The Strain), Ashley Jensen (Extras, Ugly Betty), Tom Basden (Plebs, David Brent: Life On The Road), Tony Way (Game of Thrones, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), David Earl (Derek, Cemetery Junction), Joe Wilkinson ( Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown), Kerry Godliman (Derek), Mandeep Dhillon (Tears of Khali, Finding Fatimah), Jo Hartley (This is England, Not Safe For Work), Roisin Conaty (GameFace), and Diane Morgan (Mock the Week, Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe).
As the production for the show went underway, Gervais praised the cast members in a statement, saying, "This cast combines the best of the new breed of great British comedy talent with some of the wonderful alumni of my previous shows."
'After Life' will follow Tony (Gervais) as he deals with the death of his wife, with an official description for the show reading, "Tony, who had a perfect life. But after his wife Lisa suddenly dies, Tony changes. After contemplating taking his own life, he decides instead to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes from now on. He thinks it’s like a Super Power — not caring about himself or anyone else — but it turns out to be tricky when everyone is trying to save the nice guy they used to know."
Gervais has earned numerous plaudits for some of his previous works such as 'Extras' and 'The Office,' the latter of which alone won him seven BAFTAs, as well as two Golden Globes. Considered one of the greatest stand-up comics in Britain and harboring a considerable reputation, he was even named on the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people in 2010.
The series will mark the actor's five collaboration with streaming giant Netflix. He has previously worked with the network on 'Derek,' which he also starred in, wrote, and directed, two original films in 'Special Correspondents' and ' David Brent: Life on the Road,' as well as live comedy special 'Ricky Gervais: Humanity.' A second further special is apparently in the pipeline as well.
Joining Gervais as an executive producer is Charlie Hanson, who has previously worked with him in both 'Derek' and 'Extras.' A premiere date for its first season, which has been confirmed to contain six episodes, has not been revealed as of yet.
