Although Rebecca Ferguson played a great villain role five years ago in a woefully underrated fantasy film, theDuneactor now has the chance to give a higher profile villain performance inThe Magic Faraway Tree. Recently, it was announced that anadaptation of a classic children’s novel will star Fergusonas well as other acclaimed actors, including Claire Foy (The Crown), Andrew Garfield (Tick, Tick…Boom!), and Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton). The book of the same name is the second ina series of four novels by Enid Blyton that center on an enchanted woodwhere the titular tree grows.
The giant, magical tree grows so tall that its branches reach the clouds, while its trunk is so wide that there are houses carved into its trunk. In the books, Polly (Foy) and Tim Thompson (Garfield) relocate to the remote countryside near the woods with their three children. Set to be directed by Ben Gregor (Fatherhood) and adapted by Simon Farnaby (Wonka),The Magic Faraway Treewill see the family reconnecting thanks to their magical surroundings, though Ferguson’s Dame Snap, the ruthless villain from Blyton’s book series, will no doubt attempt to stand in their way.
Rebecca Ferguson Has Experience Playing A Fantasy Villain Before The Magic Faraway Tree
The Actor Played The Antagonist In The Kid Who Would Be King
Of course, Ferguson is no stranger to playing a villain. Not only does Lady Jessica, her character inDune: Part Two, make some damning, antagonistic choices, but the actor has also played characters like Rose the Hat inMike Flanagan’sDoctor Sleep. Now,Rebecca Ferguson’s new movie villain is doubling downon the actor’s villainous chops. BetweenSiloandDune,Ferguson is known for her sci-fi hits, but high-profile success in the fantasy genre has remained somewhat elusive. In 2019, Ferguson played a great fantasy villain inThe Kid Who Would Be King, but the film under-performed.
While Dame Snap is rather different — a more realistic form of evil — Ferguson can definitely play a chilling children’s story villain.
Written and directed by Joe Cornish,The Kid Who Would Be Kingcenters on Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), a young boy who finds Excalibur. Armed with King Arthur’s legendary sword and a group of friends and bullies-turned-allies as his knights, Alex must use Excalibur to stop an ancient enchantress from taking over the world. The enchantress,Morgana, is played by Ferguson, who does an exceptional job of bringing the creepy villain to life. While Dame Snap is rather different — a more realistic form of evil — Ferguson can definitely play a chilling children’s story villain.
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The Magic Faraway Tree Gives Rebecca Ferguson A Chance For Redemption In The Fantasy Genre
Ferguson Has Proven Her Sci-Fi Chops But Needs A Fantasy Win
Even though Ferguson played a wonderful villain inThe Kid Who Would Be King, the movie was not a huge success. Despite solid reviews — critics' scores gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes —the all-ages fantasy flick garnered a mere $32.1 million against its $59 million budget. Thanks to its high marketing costs, the film reportedly lost studios closer to $50 million, making it a box office flop. That said,The Magic Faraway Tree, which is bolstered by Ferguson, Foy, and Garfield, has a real shot at being a redemption forRebecca Ferguson’s fantasy movie track record.
The Magic Faraway Treeis slated for a 2025 release.
The Magic Faraway Tree (2025)
The Magic Faraway Tree follows the Thompson siblings as they explore a mystical tree in the countryside, encountering its whimsical inhabitants like Moonface and Silky. Their adventures through its fantastical lands help them rediscover familial bonds, offering a journey of reconnection amidst enchanting experiences.
