Terry Gilliam has admitted that it is hard to promote his new movie when he thinks back to the death of Heath Ledger.

Ledger died before filming ended on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and his character is also played by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law.

Gilliam said:

“It’s hard work but it’s worth it. It’s hard when you start thinking back. What’s nice is the reactions of the people, it’s not like I have to sell some turkeys.

“Heath’s performance is wonderful and Johnny, Colin and Jude saved the day. In a sense it’s promoting itself.”

He added:

“They carried on the spirit of what Heath was doing. Colin swore he was channelling Heath at one point. Heath has a very powerful spirit.”

Ledger’s co-star Andrew Garfield said:

“I have mixed feelings. I feel really happy his work is being seen because it’s phenomenal.

“His approach to things was fearless. He was always real and honest, it’s ridiculous he isn’t here anymore.”