PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN - IN THE LOOP: INEPT MINISTER BASED ON NICK CLEGG

IN THE LOOP: INEPT MINISTER BASED ON NICK CLEGG

Actor Tom Hollander has revealed his character in new comedy In the Loop is based on several young politicians, including Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star plays fictional international development secretary Simon Foster in the film, with the naïve minister the inspiration for a diplomatic conflict between the UK and US.

After Foster accidentally claims during a radio interview that war is "unforeseeable", he finds himself courted by a number of influential members of the Washington political scene, including the imposing General Miller (James Gandolfini).

Speaking at a London press conference ahead of the film's release, Hollander explained the real-life inspiration for his character.

"I didn't research it particularly," he admitted. "It was a casting decision of Armando's to cast somebody about the same age as the James Purnell, Andy Burnham, Nick Clegg generation of politicians.

"Given that Simon Foster doesn't really know anything and whenever he's given the chance, doesn't have anything to say, I thought that was carte blanche to not do too much research!"

In the Loop is released on April 17th.