‘Absolutely Fabulous’ Star Jennifer Saunders, ‘Life of Pi’ Actor Hiran Abeysekera, ‘Gangs of London’s Pippa Bennett-Warner Join ‘Magic Faraway Tree’ Cast

As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the casting for “The Magic Faraway Tree” is nothing short of enchanting! The combination of veteran talents like Jennifer Saunders and Laurence Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera with rising stars such as Pippa Bennett-Warner, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche is a magical blend that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.


Jennifer Saunders, winner of the Laurence Olivier Award, along with Hiran Abeysekera and Pippa Bennett-Warner, are now part of the cast for the movie version of Enid Blyton’s “The Magic Faraway Tree,” a project that is currently underway in production.

The movie, inspired by the cherished “The Faraway Tree” books by Blyton, tells the story of the Thompson family relocating to rural England and encountering a magical tree. This enchanting tree’s inhabitants have the power to transport visitors to various far-off lands, paving the way for a sequence of fanciful journeys.

Saunders is portraying the role of the grandchildren’s grandmother, Abeysekera is taking on the character of an Angry Fairy, and Bennett-Warner has been assigned as Hannah, the grandmother’s aid. The newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche will be acting as the Thompson children.

Additionally, these actors have been added to the already announced cast that includes Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Jess Gunning, Nonso Anozie, Dustin Demri Jones, Mark Heap, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Simon Russell Beale, and Michael Palin.

Filming for this project has officially started, spreading across various locations in Southern England and Shinfield Studios in Reading. The script was penned by Simon Farnaby, known for “Wonka” and “Paddington 2”, while Ben Gregor (“Britannia,” “Black Ops”) is at the helm as director.

The project is being developed by Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance. Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown from Neal Street Productions, Danny Perkins from Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hooks are the producers. Ashland Hill Media Finance is funding the entire film, while Palisades Park Pictures manages global sales and CAA Media Finance shares U.S. rights representation with them.

As a longtime fan of cinema, I can confidently say that the addition of these extraordinarily talented actors to our cast has truly elevated my anticipation for this upcoming project. With their impressive skillsets and unique perspectives, I am certain they will bring a level of wit, wonder, and warmth to their performances that will make this magical adventure an unforgettable experience for all involved. Having had the pleasure of witnessing their work in previous projects, I can attest to their ability to captivate audiences and breathe life into even the most complex characters. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing them join our team and contribute to the success of this production.

“Simon Williams, the head partner at Ashland Hill, expressed: ‘What an exceptional chance it is to assemble such a talented and captivating team. We’re thrilled beyond words for everyone, regardless of age, to journey into a world unseen before, and witness this extraordinary tale unfold in reality.'”

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2024-08-08 12:16