Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, Shrek 2), Hiran Abeysekera (The Life of Pi, The Father and the Assassin) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London, See How They Run, Chloe) have signed on to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree.
The film is currently shooting in England at Shinfield Studios. Adapted by BAFTA Award-winner Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), the movie is directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, Cuckoo, Black Ops, Fatherhood).
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, Jonathan Bross, and Palisades Park Pictures’ Tamara Birkemoe.
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.
“Just when we thought our casting line-up couldn’t get any more thrilling, we have been joined by these hugely gifted actors,” Harris said. “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.”
Ashland Hill’s Managing partner Simon Williams said: “It’s a remarkable opportunity to have gathered such a stellar and magnetic cast. We couldn’t be more excited for audiences of all ages to be transported into a world they’ve never seen before, and to experience this wondrous story come to life.”
