Jennifer Saunders on 'The Magic Faraway Tree'

Jennifer Saunders has joined the cast of 'The Magic Faraway Tree,' adapting Enid Blyton's beloved children's book. She will portray the children's ruthless grandmother, alongside Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie and Pippa Bennett-Warner as Grandma's assistant, Hannah. The film follows the Thompson family as they discover a magical tree filled with whimsical characters after relocating to the English countryside. Principal photography is underway at Shinfield Studios and various locations in southern England, with Simon Farnaby adapting the screenplay and Ben Gregor directing. The production is backed by Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group, and Ashland Hill Media Finance, with a star-studded cast that also includes Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. Producer Pippa Harris expressed excitement over the casting, anticipating that the actors will bring 'wit, wonder, and warmth' to the film.