Rebecca Ferguson and Nicola Coughlan join the cast of ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’

Further big names have joined the cast of the upcoming adaptation of the beloved Enid Blyton children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree. The novel is being adapted for the big screen by Horrible Histories and Ghosts star Simon Farnaby. Farnaby has previously written the screenplays for Wonka, Paddington 2 and the upcoming sequel ‘Paddington in Peru.’

What is it about?

The story is about an English family that moves to the countryside, where the children soon discover a magical tree, that comes complete with some very eccentric residents.

According the official synopsis:

Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man.” 

Rebecca Ferguson. Photo Credit: BBC
Jessica Gunning. Photo Credit: Netflix

Who is in the cast?

Rebecca Ferguson (The Greatest Showman), Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous), Jessica Gunning  (Baby Reindeer), and Nonso Anozie (Ted Lasso) will join Claire Foy (The Crown) and Andrew Garfield (Spiderman). Foy and Garfield will play Polly and Tim, the parents of Beth, Jo, and Fran, the children whose lives are changed by the magical happenings around them.

Rebecca Ferguson, best known for the Mission Impossible franchise and recently cast in the Peaky Blinders film,  will play the Headmistress Dame Snap. ‘Derry Girl’ Nicola Couglan will play the fairy Silky, with Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot, Jennifer Saunders as Grandma, and Nonso Anozie as group lead Moonface.  

Who is behind it?

Ben Gregor (Cuckoo) will direct.  The film will be a co-production between Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group. Pippa Harris (Empire of Light, Call the Midwife), Nicholas Brown, and Danny Perkins will produce.

When will it be released?

Filming began in June 2024 but there is no release date as of yet.