British sitcom pokes fun at actor's popularity

LOS ANGELES -- You'd think it would be easy to be confident about your appeal if you're Orlando Bloom, but on the upcoming season of Ricky Gervais' "Extras," the long-haired heartthrob from the "Lord of the Rings" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" films shows his insecure side.

"I'm a total bastard [in 'Extras']," says Bloom in an interview to promote his latest film "Haven." "I play a guy who just rips the s**t out of Johnny Depp. I sort of play like a schoolboy bastard version of myself where I'm so jealous of Johnny."

In the critically acclaimed show by the creator of "The Office," Gervais plays struggling background actor Andy Millman, who just wants to land a speaking role that will launch him into stardom, but doesn't have much luck because of his lousy agent Darren Lamb (co-creator Stephen Merchant). Fellow extra Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen) is content with her limited job, since it gives her plenty of time to pursue men on set.

"And this girl Maggie is not interested in me," Bloom adds with a laugh.

"Extras" is known for its send-up of well-known actors playing themselves on the set of fictional movies and TV shows. Last season, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Stiller and Kate Winslet were among the big names who were happy to tarnish their image in the name of comedy. This coming season, the proposed A-list guest stars include "X-Men" star Ian McKellen, musician David Bowie and "Harry Potter" actor Daniel Radcliffe, all who encounter Andy's character on his road to success.

"I can't tell you any more than that, but it's funny," says Bloom. "I don't think I'm that funny, but the series is really funny. The rest of it, the way it's developed, it's really great. He's fantastic, Ricky, and Stephen Merchant, they both are. It was fun as all hell."

In real life, Bloom doesn't begrudge his "Pirates of the Caribbean" co-stars their success, even now that both Depp and Keira Knightley have Oscar nominations under their belts. Does Bloom feel the pressure to get a nod for his acting as well?

"No, no, no," he says. "I just enjoy making movies."

"Extras" returns to BBC2 in September, which means its stateside run on HBO shouldn't be far behind.