Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, and Jessica Gunning Join Cast of Fantasy Adventure Film The Magic Faraway Tree

Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance have today revealed further cast names for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic, The Magic Faraway Tree.

Based on the enchanting Faraway Tree series, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who relocate to the remote English countryside and discover a magical tree with extraordinary and eccentric inhabitants. These whimsical characters, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical lands, are brought to life by a star-studded cast.

Nicola Coughlan, known for her roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, will play the beloved woodland fairy Silky. Nonso Anozie (Sweet Tooth, Ted Lasso) takes on the role of Moonface, the self-appointed group leader. Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer, The Outlaws) is cast as Dame Washalot, and Dustin Demri-Burns (Slow Horses, The Great) will portray Saucepan Man. Additional magical denizens include Mark Heap (Friday Night Dinner, The School for Good and Evil) as Mr. Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris (Trying, My Lady Jane) as Mr. Watzisname.

British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale have also joined the cast, playing a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls. They join the previously announced Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield in the ensemble.

Danny Perkins, CEO of Elysian Film Group, expressed enthusiasm about the casting: “Attracting such talented high-profile individuals to this project is testament to the power of Blyton’s enduring legacy and the continued commerciality of her storytelling. Her work continues to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages, across the world. The Magic Faraway Tree is one of her most timeless, cherished by generations, and we are honoured to be bringing her magical world to life with such a fantastic cast.”

Ashland Hill Media Finance Managing Partner Joe Simpson added, “We are thrilled to partner with Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group to realize Ben and Simon’s vision for The Magic Faraway Tree. This dynamic and talented cast are perfect to breathe life into the characters from Enid Blyton’s unfading and enduring classic children’s tale. I have no doubt they will fill the screen with wonder and magic in this elevated, high-concept family adventure.”

The film, adapted by BAFTA Award-winner Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), will be directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, Cuckoo, Black Ops, Fatherhood). Production is set to commence later this month across the UK.

Enid Blyton’s books remain actively in print and have been translated into over 35 languages, selling over 500 million copies worldwide, making her the most translated children’s author in the world. In the UK alone, over 3.5 million copies of her books are sold annually. The Faraway Tree series remains one of her most popular, having sold over 30 million copies to date and continuing to sell over half a million copies each year to new readers.

The film is produced by Academy Award-nominee Pippa Harris (Empire of Light, 1917, Call the Midwife) and Nicolas Brown (Britannia, Informer, Penny Dreadful) of Neal Street Productions, along with Danny Perkins (Greatest Days) of Elysian Film Group, and Jane Hooks (Golda, Living). Executive Producers include Ashland Hill Media Finance’s Simon Williams, Joe Simpson, and Jonathan Bross, and Palisades Park Pictures’ Tamara Birkemoe.