Talented South African stage and screen star, Jason Cope, has won the role of vindictive housemaster, Sparerib, in the film version of John van de Ruit’s best-selling Spud novel, currently in production in the KZN Midlands. He joins veteran British star, John Cleese (The Guv); Troye Sivan (John 'Spud' Milton); Tanit Phoenix (Eve); and Charlbi Dean Kriek (Amanda), along with a host of talented newcomers and established fellow actors who will bring the characters of South Africa’s favourite novel to life on screen.

Multi-talented Cope recently performed multiple roles in Neil Blomkamp’s District 9 (including reporter and narrator Grey Bradnam, and laying down the green-screen movements for ‘lead’ alien Christopher Johnson) and also starred in M-Net drama series, Ella Blue as Howard Weaver.

The versatile star has signed on to play Sparerib, the housemaster tasked with keeping the 'Crazy 8' (Spud; Rambo; Simon; Boggo; Vern; Mad Dog; Gecko; and Fatty) in line. The tenacious, hard-hearted character requires great physicality to play – something producers, Brad Logan and Ross Garland, saw in abundance in Cope. “Jason is a chameleon. He completely inhabits each role he plays. We thought he would be too young for Sparerib, but he turns into a nasty housemaster as soon as he steps on set,” says Garland. Logan is thrilled to have an actor of Cope’s versatility on board. “He’s genuinely frightening as Sparerib – the Crazy 8 don’t have to work too hard to fake fear when he’s charging around and screaming at them!” he says.

Cope’s impressive CV also lists SAFTA (South African Film & Television Awards) nominations for his role as writer and actor in SABC’s The Pure Monate Show while his film acting credits also include Flood; Spoon; Bunny Chow; and Big Fellas, alongside TV work on Stokvel; Evita – Live and Dangerous; and Going Up Again. Jason has also played the role of Iago on stage in a Kasteel Players production of Othello. Cope trained as a magician at age nine and briefly worked as a filler act in a South African circus at age 13. He continued to perform professionally on a part-time basis until he completed his schooling. Later, once he had finished school, he went to London to become a street performer. At the age of 20 he returned to South Africa and performed stand-up comedy at venues and events around the country.

Spud: The Movie is produced by Rogue Star Films and BLM Productions and is set to hit South African cinema screens in November 2010.