Yahoo Lifestyle Steve Coogan Says New Season of ‘The Trip’ Is Due to Film This Summer in Plea to Avoid Driving Ban
Did Steve Coogan just reveal that a fifth season of “The Trip” is on the way?
According to a letter sent by the comedian to Birmingham Magistrates Court and obtained by the Evening Standard, the answer is yes.
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In an effort to avoid a driving ban for speeding on the M6 at nearly 100 mph last year, Coogan reportedly penned a plea to the court in which he said he needs to be able to drive for a new installment of “The Trip,” the beloved sitcom in which Coogan and Rob Brydon play fictionalized versions of themselves.
“I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work,” he wrote, according to the Standard. “I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called ‘The Trip’ (with Rob Brydon) which as the title suggests requires me to drive. This starts filming towards the end of June 2025 and if I were unable to drive, the production would likely be unable to proceed.”
The Standard reported that Coogan asked for the court to give him five penalty points on his license instead of six, which would have resulted in a six-month driving ban. He highlighted how the punishment would not only affect him, but “the many individuals dependent on these productions for work.”
“These include camera, sound, and lighting technicians, riggers and others on modest wages who would face cancellations and financial hardship, as rescheduling such projects is often highly complicated,” he continued.
Ultimately, Coogan’s ask was granted, meaning that filming can proceed. He was given five penalty points and paid a £2,500 ($3,098) fine in addition to other costs.
Coogan and Brydon have filmed four installments of “The Trip,” all directed by Michael Winterbottom. The first season, released in 2010, was shot in northern England and was followed by adventures in Italy, Spain and Greece, all of which were also turned into feature films. The most recent season premiered on Sky in 2020. Though at the time it was said “The Trip to Greece” would be the last installment, Coogan and Brydon have spoken about being open to a revival and floated Wales, Ireland and America as possible locations.
Representatives for Coogan, Brydon, Winterbottom and Sky did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
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