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ENTERTAINMENT DESK:
The cherished children’s series by Enid Blyton, ‘The Faraway Tree’, is set for a cinematic rendition titled ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’, starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.
Andrew Garfield, recognised for his roles in ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, and a two-time Academy Award nominee, will take on the role of Tim.
Claire Foy, awarded two Emmys for her work in ‘All of Us Strangers’ and ‘The Crown’, will portray Polly.
The narrative centers around Polly and Tim, along with their children Beth, Joe, and Fran, as they adapt to life in the remote English countryside where they stumble upon the enchanted Faraway Tree. Filming is expected to begin in June 2024, with casting still underway.
Screenwriter Simon Farnaby, famed for ‘Wonka’ and ‘Paddington 2’, shared his excitement about the casting. “To have two actors of the quality of Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy is a dream for any screenwriter,” he stated. He also noted, “I have long admired their warmth, wit and lightness of touch.
Plus they have the power to imbue their characters’ complexities that I don’t have the power to write… I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen…”
Director Ben Gregor, whose credits include ‘Britannia’, ‘Cuckoo’, ‘Black Ops’, and ‘Fatherhood’, expressed his delight over their participation. “Andrew and Claire are exquisite performers and I feel so spoiled to have them for this film.
They are the cornerstones of our big-hearted world and the perfect people to bring our lovely script to life.”
The production team includes Academy Award nominee Pippa Harris from ‘Empire of Light’, ‘1917’, and ‘Call the Midwife’, and Nicolas Brown from ‘Britannia’, ‘Informer’, and ‘Penny Dreadful’, representing Neal Street Productions. They are joined by Danny Perkins from Elysian Film Group and Jane Hooks from ‘Golda’ and ‘Living’.
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