Home TV News Olivia Colman & Matt Smith Lead Cast Of ‘Superworm’ Animated Special For BBC

Olivia Colman & Matt Smith Lead Cast Of ‘Superworm’ Animated Special For BBC

by Dave Elliott

Olivia Colman & Matt Smith Lead Cast Of ‘Superworm’ Animated Special For BBC

We may only be in February, but the BBC are already prepping for Christmas 2021 as they announce the voice cast for their upcoming festive animated fun, ‘Superworm’.

Superworm is a hero with a difference. Super-long and super-strong, he’s always on hand to help out all the other animals and insects – whether he’s saving baby toad from an accident, rescuing beetle from falling down a well, or even good-naturedly offering himself up as a skipping rope for some bored bees. Superworm and his best friend Butterfly make a great team but Superworm too often takes all the credit. When the wicked Wizard Lizard hears about Superworm’s special skills, he sends his servant Crow to kidnap Superworm. Despite everything, with her friend in deep trouble, Butterfly comes to the rescue, convincing the other creatures to help her with a daring plan…

Oscar-winner, national treasure, and omnipotent acting overlord Olivia Colman (‘The Crown’) is set as the narrator, with Emmy nominee Matt Smith (‘The Crown’, ‘Doctor Who’) playing the hero, Superworm. They are joined by Patricia Allison (‘Sex Education’) as Butterfly, and Rob Brydon (‘Gavin & Stacey’) as the Crow, with other cast members to be announced later in the year.

“This is such a lovely project to be involved with,” comments Colman. “When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.”

“I’m delighted to play the part of Superworm! And join such a fabulous cast of actors, artists and storytellers,” adds Smith. “What fun to be part of the BBC’s Christmas line up in this great children’s tale.”

The animated half-hour is based on the children’s book by creators of The Gruffalo, Donaldson and Scheffler. The pair collaborated once again on this special, which has been acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama. ‘Superworm’ is the ninth TV adaptation of a Donaldson/Scheffler title for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Magic Light, who will be producing the animation, has been providing festive family treats to BBC One for over a decade, and their films, based on the books by the award-winning duo, are among the most popular family titles on BBC iPlayer.

“This will be my ninth appearance in a Donaldson/ Scheffler adaptation,” commented Brydon. “Working on these Magic Light productions is always a delight and deciding how to voice characters is such fun. I love watching them on TV at Christmas – a lovely way to round off my year.”

‘Superworm’ is being directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, from a script by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. Producer is Barney Goodland with Executive Producers Martin Pope & Michael Rose for Magic Light Pictures. The composer is Rene Aubry, who has written the music for the collection of Magic Light films. Animation services will be provided by Blue Zoo Animation Studio.

“The Donaldson and Scheffler adaptations are a lynchpin of the Christmas schedule and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with them and the award-winning Magic Light Pictures again this year,” said Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama. “I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Superworm, who is super-long and super-strong.”

‘Superworm’ will air Christmas 2021 on BBC One and iPlayer.

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