| The Magic Faraway Tree | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ben Gregor |
| Screenplay by | Simon Farnaby |
| Based on | The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Zac Nicholson |
| Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Entertainment Film Distributors |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Magic Faraway Tree is an upcoming British film adapted by Simon Farnaby from the Enid Blyton book series of the same name.
Premise
A modern family learns to reconnect after being forced to move to the remote British countryside and discover a magical tree from where they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands.
Cast
- Claire Foy as Polly Thompson
- Andrew Garfield as Tim Thompson
- Delilah Bennett-Cardy
- Billie Gadsdon
- Phoenix Laroche
- Nicola Coughlan as Silky
- Nonso Anozie as Moonface
- Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot
- Dustin Demri-Burns as the Saucepan Man
- Mark Heap as Mr. Oom Boom Boom
- Oliver Chris as Mr. Watzisname
- Lenny Henry
- Michael Palin
- Simon Russell Beale
- Jennifer Saunders as Grandma Thompson
- Hiran Abeysekera as Angry Pixie
- Pippa Bennett-Warner as Hannah
- Rebecca Ferguson as Dame Snap
Production
Simon Farnaby was attached to an adaptation of the Enid Blyton books in 2017 with options being placed all four books in the series. The film was set up at StudioCanal. However, when personnel left StudioCanal to set up Elysian Film Group, development continued on the film adaptation of The Faraway Tree. In January 2024, it was reported that Elysian Film Group with Neal Street Productions would be producing the film with Ben Gregor on board as director, and producers Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown of Neal Street Productions alongside Danny Perkins of Elysian Film Group. The film will be adapted into the modern day, with director Gregory saying that it will tap into 21st century children’s post-pandemic anxiety, whilst still using characters from the books such as Moonface, Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot, Silky, Angry Pixie and Mister Watzisname, as well as the lands at the top of the tree including the Land of Goodies and the Land of Birthdays.
In May 2024, Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy were confirmed in the cast to play Tim and Polly. Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie and Jessica Gunning would be among additional casting announced the following month, with Jennifer Saunders, Hiran Abeysekera, Pippa Bennett-Warner and Rebecca Ferguson added in August. The cast includes child actors Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche. The film contains an original song, composed by Isabella Summers from the band Florence and the Machine.
Principal photography began at Shinfield Studios in Berkshire in June 2024.
References
- Ntim, Zac (3 September 2024). "'The Magic Faraway Tree:' Enid Blyton Adaptation Starring Andrew Garfield & Claire Foy Lands UK Rights Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- Ramachandran, Naman (10 March 2024). "John Travolta, Pierce Brosnan, Charlotte Kirk Films, Among Palisades Park Pictures FilMart Slate". Variety. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Thrower, Emma (20 November 2017). "Simon Farnaby To Write Adaptation Of Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree". Empireonline. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Brew, Simon (12 January 2024). "The Magic Faraway Tree - Simon Farnaby scripted adaptation heading to production (at last)". Film Stories. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Wiseman, Andreas (11 January 2024). "'The Magic Faraway Tree' Adaptation Heads Towards Production With Neal Street, Elysian, Ashland Hill & 'Wonka' Scribe Simon Farnaby — EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Goodfellow, Melanie (16 February 2024). "Enid Blyton 'The Magic Faraway Tree' Director Says Adaptation Will Tap Into Children's Post-Pandemic Anxiety; Unveils First Concept Art Image – EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Wiseman, Andreas (3 May 2024). "Andrew Garfield & Claire Foy To Star In Enid Blyton Adaptation 'The Magic Faraway Tree' With Filming Due To Begin Next Month — Cannes Market". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- Ntim, Zac (6 June 2024). "Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie & Baby Reindeer Breakout Jessica Gunning Join Enid Blyton Adaptation The Magic Faraway Tree". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- Ford, Lily (8 August 2024). "British Icon Jennifer Saunders Joins Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy in The Magic Faraway Tree Adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- Rebecca Ferguson Joins Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan in ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’
- Ford, Lily (7 November 2024). "'Magic Faraway Tree' Director Ben Gregor Knows He Has an Amazing Cast (Exclusive First-Look Image)". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- Daniels, Nia (8 May 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: Magic Faraway Tree joins Gerard Butler thriller at Shinfield Studios". The Knowledge. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
- "Neal Street's Magic Faraway Tree to shoot in June". Televisual. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- Calnan, Ellie (28 June 2024). "UK filming cranks up as 'The Thursday Murder Club', 'The Magic Faraway Tree' start shooting". Screen Daily. Retrieved 28 June 2024.