Russell Brand To Host 2012 MTV Movie Awards

Two-time VMA host will lead the festivities Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Russell Brand
Photo: Dave Hogan/ Getty Images

Actor, comedian and two-time Video Music Awards emcee Russell Brand will be your host for the 2012 MTV Movie Awards when they air live from the Gibson Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The star of the upcoming film "Rock of Ages" will lead the fan-voted awards, which celebrate the year's biggest films.

"This MTV Movie Awards will be more impressive than 'The Avengers' and you won't have to wait an hour for someone to Hulk out," said Russell Brand.

Jesse Ignjatovic, the executive producer for the show, spoke with MTV News about Brand and why he was a clear choice as host. "First of all, I think Russell's the perfect host for this show," said Ignjatovic, who previously worked with Brand during his two stints hosting the VMAs. "He's a movie star. He's probably one of the most brilliant stand-ups that I've seen in his time, and he's a rock star."

And it's that rock-and-roll attitude that Ignjatovic said will play an important role in this year's show, which will highlight the ties between music and film with performances from groups like Fun.

Ignjatovic added that Brand's ability to riff off the unscripted moments in the show really excites him. "Whatever we end up creating around him within the show, he brings that danger thing as well," Ignjatovic said. "We'd love for the show to live there, where you don't know how he's going to react to something in the moment. He's so sharp and witty and on his game that that's an exciting place to live."

But when it really comes down to it, what makes Brand the right host, according to Ignjatovic, is his comedy.

"He has amazing comedic chops. He's brilliant. He touches all of the areas that I think are important to us," he said. "Add to that I think he's one of the most professional people I've worked with in terms of comedians. He's well-studied and very dedicated to his craft. I think we're very fortunate that he said 'yes.' "

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

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