‘Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa’ Headed To The US

Following a strong box office debut in the UK, the Steve Coogan comedy Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is officially headed to theaters in North America.

Although the character is probably more popular with British audiences, the folks at Magnolia are committed to bringing the Partridge’s big-screen adventure to fans in the United States. The film is expected to arrive in theaters across the country early next year.

The critically-acclaimed Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa generated a healthy $3.3 million during its opening weekend in the UK. The film quickly rose to the top of the box office, beating out other notable efforts as The Lone Ranger and Grown-Ups 2.

“Now is not a time for gloating or celebration, more a time for healing old wounds, a time to say ‘let us join together in thanks that I am number one at the box office’. Hallelujah,” Steve Coogan said in-character.

While it’s unlikely that Alan Partridge will enjoy this kind of success in North America, Magnolia is still hoping the film will strike a chord with fans. The distributor will premiere the film at the 2013 New York Film Festival next month.

Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles said in a statement:

As big fans of Steve Coogan and the talented crew at Baby Cow, we are very excited to be working on this incredibly funny film. I only had a passing knowledge of the Alan Partridge character, but even as a neophyte, I found it to be an instant comedy classic. We’re confident that longtime Alan fans and newcomers alike will love this film.

According to the press release, Magnolia intends to drop Alpha Papa from the title. When the flick arrives in the States, it will be known simply as Alan Partridge.

Steve Coogan has portrayed the troubled Norwich DJ for roughly 20 years. The character is probably most famous for the classic BBC series I’m Alan Partridge. If you missed the previously-released trailer, then you can solve this problem below.

Are you a fan of Steven Coogan? What do you think about Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa getting a proper theatrical release in the US?

[Image via Magnolia]