Russell Brand is to star in a 'Rentaghost' film.

The 'Get Him to The Greek ' actor will co-produce and play the main part in a remake of the British 70s TV show about a dead man who runs an agency hiring out spirits.

US film giant Warner Bros. has bought the rights to the BBC1 kids' comedy and is reported to be turning it into a 'Beetlejuice'-style movie, The Sun newspaper reports.

Russell, who married singer Katy Perry in October, will star as Fred Mumford, who was played by Anthony Jackson in the original series.

He will also be an executive producer, working with TV chiefs from Langley Park and BermanBraun.

A source said: "Russell's career goes from strength-to-strength. This is the ideal vehicle for him, it was one of his favourite shows as a kid."

'Rentaghost' was created by Bob Block and enjoyed popularity in Britain between 1976 and 1984.

It starred Michael Staniforth as Mr. Claypole the jester, and Sue Nicholls as Dutch ghost Nadia Popov - Sue is now best known as Audrey Roberts on British soap 'Coronation Street'.