Bryan Cranston will make his London theatre debut in 'Network'

Rufus Norris, National Theatre director joked he had first approached Bryan for the role at the Tony Awards in New York 18 months ago, when the 60-year-old actor presented the National with the Best Play award for 'The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time'.

He quipped: "Several thousand people didn't hear the muffled, 'Are you available?' "

However, it is true that Bryan had read the script some time ago, but the project took some time to come to fruition because of his commitments to movie 'Trumbo' and his Tony-winning stint in Broadway play 'All The Way'.

Rufus told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It has taken a little while because Bryan will have to relocate here.

"It has been an on-off chase, trying to make it work with all his numerous commitments. We are delighted to have someone of his craft coming over."

The original movie - which anticipated how corporations would go global and be seen as "the nations of the world" - was written as a dark satire, but the theatre boss thinks the subject matter now seems more relevant than ever.

He said: "It very much speaks to the moment."

While director Ivo van Hove - who will helm the production from a screenplay adapted by Lee Hall - is known for his modernised adaptations, Rufus doesn't think he will be doing anything "radical" to 'Network'.

He said: "Once Ivo got into it, he was hooked...

"It will recognisably be an adaption of the film, but I can't answer for a process that is still a little way down the line. I'm sure it won't be a million miles away (from the movie)."

'Network' famously saw Howard urge viewers to stick their heads out of the window and shout, "I'm mad as hell", something cinemagoers of the time often yelled along with, but Rufus is unsure whether theatre audiences will be encouraged to follow suit.

He said: "Audience participation isn't generally Ivo's style but I wouldn't rule out anything at this moment."

Tickets for 'Network' will go on sale this summer.