“Bright Eyes!” or those old enough to remember our childhoods especially in late 1970’s/ 1980’s Watership Down left some nightmarish memories. Beloved Richard Adams novel will continue its adventure as today BBC and Netflix announce the classic tale will be reinterpreted into a four-part animated mini-series set to air in 2017.
Watership Down is 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.
300: Rise of the Empire director Noam Murro will direct, commenting “Like many generations of readers Richard Adam’s 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.”
The voices of the rabbits will consist of James McAvoy (Hazel), Nicholas Hoult(Fiver), Sir Ben Kingsley (General Woundwort), John Boyega (Bigwig), Gemma Arterton (Clover), Miles Jupp (Blackberry), Freddie Fox (Captain Holly), Olivia Colman (Strawberry), and Anne-Marie Duff (Hyzenthlay).
BBC Drama Commissioning Editor Matthew Read said “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.”
Larry Tanz, Netflix and Executive Producer says: “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 Adam’s work pairs great talent with beautiful animation and will delight existing fans and capture a whole new audience for this timeless story.”
Watership Down is due to be aired in UK Late 2017 possibly Christmas with Netflix airing the mini series everywhere else.
