The upcoming Enid Blyton adaptation, The Magic Faraway Tree, has secured its key cast members in the form of two-time Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield (known for his role in The Amazing Spider Man) and two-time Emmy winner Claire Foy (from All of Us Strangers). The movie is being produced by Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance, with BAFTA-winner Simon Farnaby adapting the screenplay and Ben Gregor directing.
Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, the film will revolve around Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe, and Fran. The story follows a modern family compelled to move to the remote English countryside. Upon their arrival, the children stumble upon a magical tree inhabited by eccentric characters like Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man. At the pinnacle of the tree, the family is transported to enchanting and whimsical lands where they embark on adventures that help them reconnect and appreciate each other.
Principal photography for The Magic Faraway Tree is set to commence next month, with further casting currently underway. Ashland Hill Media Finance is providing full financing for the project. The film’s worldwide sales are being handled by Palisades Park Pictures, with CAA Media Finance co-representing U.S. rights. The production team includes producers Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown of Neal Street Productions, Danny Perkins of Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hooks. Executive producers consist of Simon Williams, Joe Simpson, and Jonathan Bross from Ashland Hill Media Finance, and Tamara Birkemoe from Palisades Park Pictures. The development of the film has been ongoing for several years, with the involvement of Perkins, Harris, and Brown dating back to their time at Studiocanal UK.
Simon Farnaby expressed his excitement at having Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy on board, praising their acting abilities and the depth they bring to their characters. Director Ben Gregor echoed this sentiment, calling the performers “exquisite” and highlighting their contribution to the film’s heartwarming story. Farnaby further mentioned his admiration for the actors’ talent in portraying complex characters, adding a touch of humor by referencing Enid Blyton’s potential approval of casting “Spider-Man and the Queen.”
Claire Foy is represented by Independent Talent Group and UTA, while Andrew Garfield is represented by Gordon & French, CAA, and Sloane, Offer. The anticipation for The Magic Faraway Tree is high, with a talented cast and crew working on bringing Enid Blyton’s beloved story to life on the big screen. Fans of the book series can look forward to a magical and fantastical adaptation that promises to capture the essence of Blyton’s enchanting world.