Three New Actors Join The Cast Of The Fantasy Adventure Film, The Magic Faraway Tree
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Carl Roberts 
Jennifer Saunders, Hiran Abeysekera and Pippa Bennett-Warner join the cast of the fantasy adventure, The Magic Faraway Tree.
Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance today announced further cast names for the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic, The Magic Faraway Tree. Which is currently shooting. Adapted by BAFTA Award-winner Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2). The movie is directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, Cuckoo, Black Ops, Fatherhood).
NEW CASTINGS
Screen icon Jennifer Saunders, known for ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘Shrek 2’, has been cast as the children’s ruthless Grandma. The film also features additional supporting roles, including Laurence Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera (The Life of Pi, The Father and the Assassin) as the Angry Pixie, one of the magical denizens of the woodland. And Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London, See How They Run, Chloe) as Grandma’s assistant, Hannah.
The roles of the Thompson children will be portrayed by emerging talents, including Delilah Bennett-Cardy, known for her performances in ITV’s Tom Jones and the RSC’s Macbeth. Billie Gadsdon (Cruella, One Day). And Phoenix Laroche (The Velveteen Rabbit, Trying). Oscar-nominated producer Pippa Harris comments on the latest set of confirmed cast members:
‘Just when we thought our casting line-up couldn’t get any more thrilling, we have been joined by these hugely gifted actors. 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’
Principal photography began recently, with filming taking place on location across the South of England and at Shinfield Studios, Reading.
PREMISE
Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran. A modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Two-time Academy Award-nominee, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Tony Winner Andrew Garfield (tick, tick… BOOM!, Hacksaw Ridge) will play Tim. And Golden Globe and two-time Emmy Award-winner Claire Foy (All of Us Strangers, Women Talking) will take on the role of Polly.
Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree. And its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands. Through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learn to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
SIMON FARNABY
Simon Farnaby said:
“To have two actors of the quality of Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy is a dream for any screenwriter. I have long admired their warmth, wit and lightness of touch. Plus they have the power to imbue their characters’ complexities that I don’t have the power to write … I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen…”
BEN GREGOR
Ben Gregor added:
“Andrew and Claire are exquisite performers and I feel so spoiled to have them for this film. They are the cornerstones of our big-hearted world and the perfect people to bring our lovely script to life.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Ashland Hill Media Finance is fully financing The Magic Faraway Tree. Palisades Park Pictures is handling worldwide sales, with CAA Media Finance co-repping US rights, and will bring the film to the Cannes Film Festival this month.
The film is produced by Academy Award-nominee Pippa Harris (Empire of Light, 1917, Call the Midwife) and Nicolas Brown (Britannia, Informer, Penny Dreadful) of Neal Street Productions, along with Danny Perkins (Greatest Days) of Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hooks (Golda, Living). Executive Producers include Ashland Hill Media Finance’s Simon Williams, Joe Simpson and Jonathan Bross and Palisades Park Pictures’ Tamara Birkemoe.
The film has been in development for several years, with Perkins, Harris and Brown working on the film when the former was running Studiocanal UK.
PRODUCTION
Owned by All3Media, Neal Street Productions has earned acclaim for its production of highly successful films. TV shows, and theatre productions that have received numerous awards. Their 2019 feature, 1917, grossed over $380 million dollars at the box office. For over twelve years, Call the Midwife has dominated the TV landscape. With the recent Christmas special winning the ratings battle to be the most-watched programme across the prestigious holiday period. Neal Street is currently in production on The Franchise starring Himesh Patel, Billy Magnussen and Richard E. Grant.
This announcement comes on the heels of Elysian Film Group’s major coup with its recent UK release of Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winner The Boy and The Heron, from Studio Ghibli. With partners Anonymous Content and Bleecker Street. The film made £1.79 million in its first week. And is the second-highest opening of all time for a Japanese movie in the UK.
“The Magic Faraway Tree is currently being filmed and will be released at a later date.”
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
