Rebecca Ferguson has been added to the cast of director Ben Gregor's film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s novel series The Magic Faraway Tree. Based on the classic children's books, the film revolves around the Thompsons as they go to a countryside in England and come across a magical tree that transports them to fantastical lands. Ferguson will take on the role of Dame Snap, the terrifying headmistress in the book series.
She adds to the existing cast that includes Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Dustin Demri Jones, Mark Heap, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders, Pippa Bennett-Warner, and Hiran Abeysekera. Newcomers Billie Gadsdon, Phoenix Laroche, and Delilah Bennett-Cardy will portray the Thompson kids.
Recently, Gregor said that The Magic Faraway Tree will explore kids' post-epidemic anxiety and digital retreat while celebrating the pleasures of being out and about.
Ferguson's upcoming projects also include the Peaky Blinders film, alongside Cillian Murphy, a Kathryn Bigelow feature, and Mercy with Chris Pratt. Additionally, season 2 of the Apple show Silo, which she produces and stars in, is slated for a November 15 premiere.
Filmmaker Ben Gregor expressed his excitement about Ferguson joining the project, stating, "Rebecca is a towering screen presence, one of the finest actors of her generation, and will be an electrifying addition to our movie."