Gilliam pleased 'Parnassus' is proceeding

LONDON, March 10 (UPI) -- Terry Gilliam said he is pleased his British-Canadian film production "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" is moving ahead despite the death of its star.

The fantasy movie was temporarily jeopardized when its leading man, Australian actor Heath Ledger, died in January before the movie had been completed.

Since then, U.S. film star Johnny Depp, Irish actor Colin Farrell and British thespian Jude Law have all signed on to complete the work Ledger started.

Scenes Ledger previously shot will still be part of the movie, the BBC said.

"I am grateful to Johnny, Colin and Jude for coming on board and to everyone else who has made it possible for us to finish the film," Gilliam said. "I am delighted that Heath's brilliant performance can be shared with the world."

Gilliam also told the BBC work on the film has resumed in Vancouver "with the blessing and support of Heath Ledger's family."