Richard Curtis has revealed it is "unlikely" that Blackadder would return for a big-screen outing.

The About Time filmmaker, who created and wrote the BBC comedy, poured cold water on the possibility of a Blackadder film, despite star Rowan Atkinson apparently saying in 2011 that he was keen to reprise the role in a movie spin-off.

"I don't believe that! If Rowan's really keen, that would be interesting to hear but he hasn't said it to me," he said.

"We went away for a weekend a decade ago to see whether we could work out a way of doing it and we never could, so I'm sure it won't happen. I think it'll be quite unlikely that there will be a Blackadder movie."

Rowan, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnerny and Rik Mayall all starred in the hit BBC sitcom, which was written by Richard and Ben Elton. The series, which ran on television from 1983 to 1989, followed character Edmund Blackadder throughout the ages. Rowan has reportedly met with the show's producer John Lloyd to discuss the potential of adapting it for the big screen.

Richard revealed they had discussed the idea for a film years ago.

"We did say when we were young, if ever we did Blackadder again, it would be when we are old," he continued.

"We thought we should wait 30 years and then vent our anger at the younger generation in the way that the original Blackadder was venting our anger as young men about older men and how messed up the world was, particularly in the First World War."

The 56-year-old added: "So it's not impossible but I think it would be too painful."

:: About Time is in cinemas now.