Rebecca Ferguson has been cast in Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance's adaptation of Enid Blyton's novel “The Magic Faraway Tree.”
The film, based on Blyton’s beloved “The Faraway Tree” series, follows the Thompson family as they move to the English countryside and discover a magical tree. The tree’s inhabitants transport visitors to faraway lands, setting the stage for a series of fantastical adventures. Ferguson will play Mrs. Snape, the story’s terrifying headmistress. The screenplay is by Simon Farnaby (“Wonka,” “Paddington 2”).
The “Dune” and “Mission: Impossible” star joins previously announced actors Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy in the fantasy adventure. The cast also includes Nicholas Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Dustin Demry-Jones, Mark Heap, Oliver Criss, Lenny Henry, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders, Hiran Abeysekera and Pippa Bennett-Warner. Newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billy Gadsdon and Phoenix LaRoche play the Thompson children.
Ferguson's 2024 slate includes roles in “Peaky Blinders” with Cillian Murphy, “Mercy” with Chris Pratt and the upcoming feature film from director Kathryn Bigelow. The second season of her Apple TV series “Silo,” in which she stars and produces, is set to premiere on November 15.
“Rebecca has a commanding screen presence and is one of the finest actresses of her generation, and will be an exciting addition to our film,” said director Ben Gregor.
Producers include Pippa Harris and Nicholas Brown of Neal Street Productions, Danny Perkins of Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hawkes. Ashland Hill Media Finance is fully financing the film, Palisades Park Pictures is handling international sales, and CAA Media Finance is handling U.S. rights.
The City of Ferguson is represented by Chalcot Square, CAA, and Anonymous Content.
