Ricky Gervais is going to make his big-screen debut as a favour to his friend Ben Stiller.
In the past the comedy actor has rejected movie roles, but he changed his mind after being persuaded by the Meet The Parents star. Ben had starred in his BBC2 hit comedy series Extras, and Ricky said: "I owe him one".
Ricky will play a cameo role as the uptight director of a museum to Ben's bumbling guard. In the original Night At The Museum Mickey Rooney and Dick Van Dyke bring exhibits to life by accidentally triggering an ancient curse.