Gemma Arterton (Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time) has signed on and Benedict Cumberbatch (War Horse, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) is in talks to star in the long-gestating comedy Absolutely Anything, which most of the Monty Python team are involved with.

The film follows a teacher who discovers he has magical powers that allow him to wipe out classrooms of badly behaved students and bring people back to life. As he learns how to control these powers, he experiences a series of mishaps.

Absolutely Anything is being directed by Terry Jones, and will include voiceovers from Jones and fellow Pythons Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and John Cleese, along with Robin Williams. Jones also co-wrote the film with Gavin Scott, and filming is due to start early next year. 

Arterton can next be seen in the comedy drama Song for Marion with Christopher Eccleston, Vanessa Redgrave, and Terence Stamp, and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters opposite Jeremy Renner. Cumberbatch’s next projects include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Star Trek Into Darkness.