Russell Brand was much "darker" than the alcoholic character he plays in new movie 'Arthur'.

The British actor - who has battled alcoholism and drug addiction - plays drunken Millionaire Playboy Arthur Bach in the remake of the popular 1981 film and although he relied on his own experiences to help with his portrayal, he admitted Arthur is more innocent than he ever was.

He explained: "My own personal experiences of frivolity and extravagance were helpful to draw upon I suppose but not really my experience as an alcoholic and drug addict. There's innocence to Arthur - even though he likes to drink - whereas I was quite dark."

Director Jason Winer has praised Russell's acting abilities and said he thinks the movie will make people realise there is more to the comedian than they think.

He told Total Film magazine: "He's at an interesting point in his career where people still think of him as the bad boy, the 'Shagger of the Year'. But this will show he's much more thoughtful, introspective and smarter than anyone would suspect."