Conchords star wins top role in Kiwi comedy

Bret McKenzie. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie is stepping back in front of the camera as a lead in the local film Two Little Boys.

It is based on Duncan Sarkies' novel and is directed by his brother Robert Sarkies, known for bringing the Aramoana tragedy to screen in Out of The Blue.

McKenzie is joined by Hamish Blake from Australian comedy duo Hamish and Andy, who had a regular skit on the Rove talkshow.

The pair play best mates Nige and Deano from Invercargill whose friendship has hit a rocky patch.

"The character I play accidentally runs over a Scandinavian backpacker and then it's about him and his friend trying to get rid of the body." McKenzie said, and described Two Little Boys as a dark comedy.

He has been looking at local and international scripts since the Flight of the Conchords and said this one was the best script he had seen in two years.

"I think Kiwis will like it just because it's about New Zealanders," McKenzie said.

"Anyone who has had a friend will like this movie, and if they haven't had a friend, they will be interested to see what it's like having a friend."

The comedian has kept a lower profile than his other half, Jemaine Clement, since the American-made Flight of the Conchords TV series ended early last year.

He has focused on his music, is working on his "dream job" - the soundtrack for a new The Muppets film.

Meanwhile Clement has taken supporting roles in several films in New Zealand and the United States and is now filming Men In Black III.

They hope to tour in New Zealand next year when their schedules are less hectic, McKenzie said.

"We just can't seem to co-ordinate it, we have spent most of the year in different countries."