Ricky Gervais may have made headlines in recent weeks for laying in to millionaires that complain about being cooped up in mansions during the coronavirus pandemic – but he has just become an even bigger millionaire himself.
The 58-year-old comedian is said to have netted £5 million to write and direct a third series of his Netflix dark comedy After Life.
Ricky – who is believed to be worth over £110 million already – will also be expected to write a number of comedy specials as well as a third season of his hit show, according to reports.
The paycheck is quite a step down for the British star, however, as he is previously reported to have made over £32 million from Netflix in a deal for his stand up shows and writing work.
The Sun reports a source saying: “After Life smashed expectations again with the second series and Netflix wanted to tie Ricky down with a big money deal."
“They basically approached him with a blank cheque and after bashing out the finer details he will receive just over £5million for the third After Life.
“As part of the wider deal Ricky will also pen a couple of comedy shows and skits for Netflix."
The publication goes on to suggest Ricky will meet with Netflix content boss Cindy Holland with tentative plans for the third season to air in Spring 2021 – depending on how filming plans can proceed amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Ricky has taken aim at the rich and famous in recent weeks – days after a video of pop star Sam Smith crying about being cooped up in a huge mansion that the vast majority of people could never afford went viral.
Ricky raged last month: “After this is over I never want to hear people moaning about the welfare state again.
"I never want to hear people moaning about nurses again. Or porters.
“These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly.
“But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool. And, you know, honestly, I just don’t want to hear it.”
