Richard Adams’ novel Watership Down is getting the silver screen treatment from BBC One and Netflix in a new miniseries and Ben Kingsley, James McAvoy, John Boyega, and Nicholas Hoult have signed on to voice the cast.
The adventure story is set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England and follows a band of rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, toward a promised land a more perfect society.
McAvoy stars as Hazel, Hoult as Fiver, Kingsley as General Woundwort, and Boyega as Bigwig. They are joined by Gemma Arterton as Clover, Miles Jupp as Blackberry, Freddie Fox as Captain Holly, Olivia Colman as Strawberry, and Anne-Marie Duff as Hyzenthlay.
The co-production between BBC One and Netflix is penned by Tom Bidwell with Noam Murro directing. The film is a CG animation with the team led by co-director Pete Dodd, Hugo Sands, and the animation studio Brown Bag Films in Dublin. ITV Studios Global Entertainment is handling international distribution.
42 and Biscuit Films are producing with Rory Aitken, Josh Varney, Ben Pugh, Eleanor Moran, Matthew Read, and Murro executive producing. Sands is a producer.
Emily J | Staff Writer
