John Cleese has revealed that he and fellow Monty Python stars Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam are planning a reunion, 12 years after their last comeback as a group.
The 2014 reunion took place at London’s O2, with Eric Idle and the late Terry Jones also included. The group originally also included Graham Chapman, who died in 1989.
However, Cleese recently told the Daily Mail: “Sir Mickey Palin, Terry Gilliam and I are discussing doing some entertainment towards the end of this year, if only to prove that we are all alive – if we still are.”
Cleese made no mention of Idle, who publicly criticised the management of the comedy troupe’s finances by Gilliam’s daughter, Holly, in 2024.
Idle said: “I don’t think the company has been as well looked after as it might have been… I always want an older manager, someone who’s wise – and not related to Terry Gilliam. So I walked away.”
Cleese later responded: “Very upset to see that Eric Idle is once again attacking Holly Gilliam… I want to make it clear that Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and I are totally satisfied with Holly’s work. He has bullied her for several years, and we all think it’s shameful.”
Now, Cleese has said that “the excellent Holly Gilliam is exploring venues, and finding dates when Sir Mickey may be available” for a reunion this year.
“He’s much in demand, unlike the rest of us,” Cleese added. “The event will be a wonderful opportunity to insult each other, and to discuss at length each other’s faults.”
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Last year, Palin said that he couldn’t foresee another reunion for Monty Python, telling Radio Times magazine: “It was originally six people, and it needed six, both as writers and actors, so it’s now missing elements – we’ve lost Terry [Jones] and Graham [Chapman].
“The big shows we did in 2014 were really enjoyable. It felt like the get-together we all needed, but I don’t think we’ll bring it back.”
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
