Monty Python Reunion: Gilliam and Palin Support Cleese at London Documentary, Idle Absent Due to Dispute

John Cleese was was reunited with his Monty Python co-stars Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam at the London screen of his new documentary on Wednesday.

Titled ‘John Cleese Packs It In,’ it follows the comedian as he visits 16 cities in five countries in just six weeks.

For the screening, John, Michael, and Terry reunited and posed for a series of fun-filled snaps. 

Speaking about the documentary, which is released on November 13, John said: ‘For the first time, audiences will see a different side to me – not just the dashing, devil-may-care, devastatingly handsome bon viveur, but also the decrepit, addled, nasty old geriatric that my PR team work day and night to hide from the public.

‘You will see with your own eyes what it’s really like for a moribund 85 year old to struggle through a 23-city European tour, desperately trying to squeeze a few laughs from audiences who are clearly disappointed that they’ve wasted their hard-earned cash on over-priced tickets.

‘This hatchet job is not just shocking, it’s also hilarious, as audiences everywhere laugh, not with me, but at me.’

But there was no Eric Idle at the screening following a dispute with his former co-stars over Monty Python’s dwindling fortunes.

Eric – who was among the six original stars from the hit comedy sketch series – revealed he was still working after only receiving £2,000 per series from the BBC show.

The comedian has blamed mismanagement of Monty Python’s funds for his financial downfall – and has taken shots at his co-star Terry, now successful filmmaker in his own right.

The Monty Python’s Flying Circus cast became household names after launching the groundbreaking BBC show in 1969.

The original comedy troupe formed that year and consisted of Graham Chapman, John, Terry, Eric, Terry Jones And Michael Palin. 

Sadly, Graham, 48, and Terry J, 77, have passed away. 

Graham in 1989 after battling tonsil cancer, and Terry J in 2020 from a rare form of dementia.

The group’s legacy includes some of TV’s most iconic sketches – from The Spanish Inquisition to The Ministry of Silly Walks – and their success eventually led to a string of classic films, including Holy Grail and Life of Brian.

Despite its popularity, founding member Idle has continually expressed his financial frustration on X, letting fans know he is not as wealthy as he appears.

In one Tweet he said: ‘I don’t mind not being wealthy. I prefer being funny. I don’t like being assumed to be wealthy. It’s different. I think Python was executive free comedy.’

In another he added: ‘I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,’ he announced in a rant on social media. 

‘Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.’

He continued: ‘But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.’

Idle’s daughter Lily, a writer and photographer living in Los Angeles, went on to praise her father for finally sharing ‘the truth’.

She wrote: ‘I’m so proud of my dad for finally finally finally starting to share the truth.

‘He has always stood up to bullies and narcissists and absolutely deserves reassurance and validation for doing so.’

Idle went on to blame Terry for ‘putting a stop’ to the Spamalot movie that had been discussed following the 2004 musical’s success.

American comedian-turned-director Terry, who has gone on to direct a series of films such as Time Bandits and 12 Monkeys – has not made any public declarations about financial woes, nor has his co-star Michael.

He was reported as being the wealthiest star from Monty Python following his combined box office haul of £137.5million for the two films.