FIRST LOOK: PAUL HOGAN AS 'PAUL HOGAN' IN THE VERY EXCELLENT MR DUNDEE

One of Australia's favourite film larrakins is set for a big screen return. Paul Hogan, the Lightning Ridge-born comedian who transformed from Harbour Bridge rivetter to Australian TV legend to global superstar in the wake of his blockbuster 1986 comedy Crocodile Dundee, plays a fictionalised version of himself in The Very Excellent Mr Dundee.

The meta-comedy will arrive in Australian cinemas on April 30 via Transmission Films, with international distribution to be confirmed. "Paul Hogan is an Australian icon, and we're delighted to continue our association with this living legend,” said Transmission's joint Managing Directors, Andrew Mackie and Richard Payten.

Directed by Dean Murphy, who previously worked with Paul on Strange Bedfellows (2004), Charlie & Boots (2009) and That’s Not My Dog! (2018), The Very Excellent Mr Hogan features the actor on the brink of receiving a Knighthood for services to comedy. “Don’t do anything to mess this up”, his manager tells him. However, despite all his best efforts, the next six weeks sees his name and reputation hilariously destroyed.

“Audiences always have a great time with Paul when he’s on screen, but this film is particularly special," says Murphy. "People ask what's true and what's not. What I do know is fact is certainly funnier than fiction.”

A line-up of some of the greatest comedy stars of their generations have come on-board the project, including British comedy legend John Cleese, American funnyman Chevy Chase and local stars Shane Jacobson and Julia Morris. Also joining 'Hoges' on-screen will be Australian icon Olivia Newton-John, comedian Jim Jefferies, Die Hard’s Reginald Veljohnson, Seinfeld’s Wayne Knight and actress Rachael Carpani.

Since Crocodile Dundee, directed by Peter Faiman, and its hit 1988 sequel, directed by John Cornell, Hogan has worked from bases in both Australia and the U.S. His Hollywood career faltered after the disappointing reception afforded his 1990 afterlife comedy, Almost an Angel. He returned to his homeland to make the comedy Lightning Jack (1994) and family adventure, Flipper (1996), before a third, ill-fated attempt to resurrect his once-popular outback hero in 2001's Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles. He has since worked steadily in Australia with Murphy on feel-good films that appeal to his avid fanbase.