British icon Jennifer Saunders has joined the star-studded cast for the film adaptation of Enid Blyton‘s beloved children’s book, The Magic Faraway Tree.
Hiran Abeysekera (The Life of Pi, The Father and the Assassin) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London, See How They Run, Chloe) will also feature 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 Magic Faraway Tree is currently shooting.
Based on the Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the film follows Polly (Foy) and Tim Thompson (Garfield) and their children, Beth, Joe and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. “There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants,” a plot synopsis reads.
Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, Shrek 2) has been cast in the role of the children’s ruthless Grandma. Laurence Olivier Award-winner Abeysekera will feature as the Angry Pixie, one of the magical denizens of the woodland, and Bennett-Warner as Grandma’s assistant, Hannah.
The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy (ITV’s Tom Jones, RSC’s Macbeth), Billie Gadsdon (Cruella, One Day) and Phoenix Laroche (The Velveteen Rabbit, Trying).
“Just when we thought our casting lineup couldn’t get any more thrilling, we have been joined by these hugely gifted actors,” said producer Pippa Harris. “I know they will bring wit, wonder and warmth to their performances and we’re delighted that they are joining us for this magical adventure.”
British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin and Simon Russell Beale have also been confirmed and will play “a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls.”
Adapted by Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), the movie will be directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, Cuckoo, Black Ops, Fatherhood). Release details are yet to be announced.
