Beloved novel Watership Down will continue its adventure as today BBC One and Netflix announce the classic tale will be reinterpreted into a four-part animated mini-series set to air in 2017. The series will premiere on BBC One in the UK; and worldwide, outside of the UK, on Netflix. Set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England, this tale of adventure, courage and survival 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, towards a promised land and a more perfect society. Director and Executive Producer, Biscuit Films Noam Murro explained that James McAvoy as Hazel, Nicholas Hoult as Fiver, award-winning Sir Ben Kingsley as General Woundwort, John Boyega as Bigwig, Gemma Arterton as Clover, Miles Jupp as Blackberry, Freddie Fox as Captain Holly, Olivia Colman as Strawberry, and Anne-Marie Duff as Hyzenthlay have been cast in the mini-series.
“Like many generations of readers Richard Adams’ novel had a profound effect on me and is a true masterpiece. Tom Bidwell has beautifully captured the spirit of the novel and brought it to life for a contemporary audience and I’m thrilled to be working with the BBC, Netflix and 42 to bring this to the screen.” Mr. Murro commented while Rory Aitken, Partner and Executive Producer, 42 productions added “Adapting this much-loved novel in a fresh and innovative way is a truly exciting opportunity. Telling the story over four hours of CG animation allows us to explore the characters from the novel and their adventure in a way not previously achievable on screen.”
“Before there was Harry Potter there was Watership Down; Richard Adams’ novel is one of the most successful books of all time and one of the biggest selling books in history. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to bring a modern classic to a mainstream BBC One audience with such an incredible roster of actors alongside the talented team overseeing the animation. This fantastic take on the novel will unite the whole family, and bring this classic story to a new generation.” Matthew Read, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor commented.
“We jumped at the chance to get in early and work alongside the BBC and 42 to bring this classic English tale to our members around the world. This novel presentation of Adams’ work pairs great talent with beautiful animation and will delight existing fans and capture a whole new audience for this timeless story.” Larry Tanz, Vice President Global Television, Netflix and Executive Producer commented.