British icon Jennifer Saunders has joined the star-studded cast of the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s book, The Faraway Magic Tree.
Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi, The Father and the Assassin) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (London Gangs, See how they work, Chloe) will also be present alongside the previously announced cast of Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan and Jessica Gunning.
From Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance, The Faraway Magic Tree is currently being filmed.
Based on Faraway tree A series of children’s novels, the film follows Polly (Foy) and Tim Thompson (Garfield) and their children, Beth, Joe and Fran, who are forced to move to the remote English countryside. “There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants,” the plot synopsis reads.
Saunders (Absolutely fabulous, Shrek 2) has been cast as the children’s ruthless grandmother. Laurence Olivier Award winner Abeysekera will play Angry Pixie, one of the forest’s magical creatures, and Bennett-Warner will play Grandma’s assistant, Hannah.
The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy (ITV’s To M JonesRSC Macbeth), Billie Gadsdon (Cruella, A day) and Phénix Laroche (The Velveteen Rabbit, Trying).
“Just when we thought our casting couldn’t get any more exciting, we’ve been joined by these incredibly talented actors,” said producer Pippa Harris. “I know they will bring wit, wonder and warmth to their performances and we’re thrilled to have them join us on this magical journey.”
British icons Sir Lenny Henry, Michael Palin and Simon Russell Beale have also been confirmed and will play “a trio of wise mystics from the Land of Know-It-All”.
Adapted by Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), the film will be directed by Ben Gregor (Brittany, Cuckoo, Covert operations, Paternity). Release details have yet to be announced.
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