British icon Jennifer Saunders has joined a star-studded cast in the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s book, distant magic tree.
Hiran Abesekera (The life of pi, Father and Assassin) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (london gangs, look how they run, Chloe) will also star 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, distant magic tree Currently filming.
based on distant tree This children’s novel series follows Polly (Foy) and Tim Thompson (Garfield) and their children Beth, Jo and Fran, who find themselves forced to move to the remote English countryside. “There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric inhabitants,” the synopsis reads.
Sanders (absolutely awesome, Shrek 2) played the role of the children’s cruel grandmother. Laurence Olivier Award winner Abey Sekera will star as the angry elf, one of the magical inhabitants of the woodland, while Bennett Warner will play Granny’s assistant Hannah.
The Thompson Kids will be played by newcomer Delilah Bennett-Cuddy (ITV’s tom jonesRSC’s macbeth), Billie Gadsden (Cruela, one day) and Phoenix Laroche (Velveteen Rabbit, try).
“Just when we thought our cast couldn’t get any more exciting, these talented actors join us,” said producer Pippa Harris. “I know they will bring wisdom, wonder, and warmth to their performances, and we are so excited for them to join us on this magical adventure.”
British icons Sir Lenny Henry, Michael Palin and Sir Simon Russell Beale are also confirmed to star, playing “a mysterious trio of wise men from the land of know-it-alls”.
Adapted by Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), the film will be directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, cuckoo, black ops, paternity). Release details have yet to be announced.
