Say what you like about Enid Blyton, but she sure knew how to capture a child's imagination. Her prolific output includes such seminal series as The Famous Five, The Secret Seven and Malory Towers. Translated into 90 languages, she is among the most popular children's authors of all time. Now, in time for the Easter Holidays, her whimsical, charming Magic Faraway series has been made into a film. Here, is all you need to know about it.
Backstory
The first-ever movie of Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree series has been in production for 20 years, which means hype about its release is at fever pitch. Can it update the series' themes without losing their charm? We'd like to think so. You'd have to be woefully cynical not to appreciate the story of a family who moves to the country only for its four children to discover, in a wood nearby, a tree with magic lands at the top of it. Penned by Simon Farnaby, the same screenwriter as Paddington and Wonka, it's safe to say that expectations are high.
Cast
How do you draw in a young audience to watch a film about an old book and older, die-hard fans of that book at the same time? With a cracking cast, of course. Andrew Garfield and Clare Foy are the stellar duo off which the rest of the players riff. Jennifer Saunders and Lenny Henry are also on board. Plus, word is that the child actors are sensational.
Soundtrack
A modern movie requires a killer soundtrack. These producers weren't messing around when they lured Isabella Summers from Florence and the Machine to write the music for The Magic Faraway Tree.
The Twist
Blyton was born in 1897 and died in 1968. She wrote in and of a bygone era. The movie places her Faraway narrative firmly in this decade, with the family preoccupied by the strength of the Wi-Fi and the legacy of the pandemic on a generation's wellbeing.
The Set
Children's movies tend visually to glorify the mundane. Of this one, The Guardian says: 'The craftsmanship that has gone into the production – from the individually handmade mushrooms that populate the enchanted wood, to a full-size replica of a Lisbon tram – is evident everywhere, not least in the tumbledown barn that feels so liveable you hope they'll rent it out on Airbnb.'
5 More Glorious Adaptations To Watch With The Family
Peter Rabbit (2018)
Come for James Corden's cheeky portrayal; stay for McGregor's exquisite veg patch.
Paddington (2014)
Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Ben Wishaw all contributed to the national-treasure status of this film.
Matilda (2023)
A toe-tappingly joyful take, complete with genius Tim Minchin songs, on a little girl who sparks a giant uprising.
The Railway Children Return (2022)
Sheridan Smith and Jenny Agutter lead a nostalgic wallow in wartime kindness and quiet courage.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Tim Burton directs Johnny Depp in this feast for all the senses.
FAQ: The Magic Faraway Tree Movie
When is The Magic Faraway Tree film released?
It is set to arrive in cinemas around the Easter holidays, making it a strong contender for family outings over the school break.
Who is in the cast?
Andrew Garfield and Clare Foy lead, with Jennifer Saunders and Lenny Henry alongside a new generation of child actors.
Is the film faithful to the original books?
It keeps the core story of the magical tree and its ever-changing lands, but updates the setting to the present day.
Who wrote the screenplay?
Simon Farnaby, best known for Paddington and Wonka, is behind the script.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes – it's designed as a family film, with enough adventure and spectacle for younger viewers and plenty of nostalgia for adults.
