Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly bear a striking resemblance to Laurel and Hardy as they transform into the comedy duo to film biopic

They’ve been tasked with taking on Hollywood’s most iconic double act.

But Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly looked up for the job as they transformed into Laurel and Hardy for upcoming biopic, Stan & Ollie.

Filming scenes in Central London on Monday, the English comedian and American actor, both 51, were virtually unrecognisable as they stepped out on set.

Historially accurate in their clothing, Steve channeled the 50s style of dress with a long belted grey coat, periwinkle blue trousers and a navy beret in the same style as his character, Stan Laurel. 

John also looked the part in a smart grey suit teamed with a paisley tie and bowler hat. 

What truly set him apart from his former self, however, was the fuller figure he sported to make him comparable with Oliver Hardy. 

It was announced at the beginning of 2017 that the funnymen were set to take on the feat of the historic comedy duo for the silver screen.

The film is titled Stan & Ollie and was written by Jeff Pope – who worked with Steve on Oscar-nominated Philomena.

The movie follows the story of their final tour in 1953, which saw them visit a number of music halls across the UK to entertain their fans one last time.

Despite a low turnout at first, their stage farewell became a hit although Hardy was suffering with ill-health and they were coming to the end of their careers.

With Jon S Baird directing the anticipated film, Head of BBC Films Christine Langan previously said Steve and John were ‘dream casting’.

Langan told BBC: ‘John C Reilly and Steve Coogan are dream casting for Stan & Ollie, bringing to life with uncanny accuracy and irresistible gusto the genius creative marriage that Jeff Pope’s script explores so lovingly.’  

Englishman Stan Laurel was born in Ulverston – then in Lancashire, now in Cumbria – before he flew further a field and set up home in the US in the hope to find fame.

It was in 1927 that Laurel was teamed up with heavyset Georgia native Oliver Hardy for short film Putting Pants on Philip – despite both having had successful careers of on their own merit.

They became known for their signature tune The Dance of the Cuckoos which was played over the opening credits of their films.