| 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 [1] |
| 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.
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. [2]
Simon Farnaby was attached to an adaptation of the Enid Blyton books in 2017 with options being placed all four books in the series. [3] 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. [4] 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. [5] 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. [6]
In May 2024, Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy were confirmed in the cast to play Tim and Polly. [7] Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie and Jessica Gunning would be among additional casting announced the following month, [8] with Jennifer Saunders, Hiran Abeysekera, Pippa Bennett-Warner and Rebecca Ferguson added in August. [9] [10] 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. [11]
Principal photography began at Shinfield Studios in Berkshire [12] in June 2024. [13] [14]