Mark Gatiss To Write, Direct & Star In ‘The Amazing Mr Blunden’ For Sky With Simon Callow & Tamsin Greig
Filming has begun on ‘The Amazing Mr Blunden’, a Sky Original family adventure set for Christmas 2021, which is written, directed and stars Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who), who is joined by Simon Callow (Four Weddings and A Funeral, Shakespeare in Love) and Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner, Episodes).
Adapted from the novel ‘The Ghosts’ by Antonia Barber and the 1972 film of the same name, the story follows London teenagers Jamie and Lucy Allen whose adventure begins when they meet a mysterious old man, Mr Blunden, who offers their mum the opportunity to become the caretaker of a ruined country house – one that’s said to be haunted. Within its neglected, overgrown grounds, Jamie and Lucy have an encounter with what appears to be a pair of ghost children. But these spooky kids, Sara and Georgie, aren’t actually ghosts. They’ve travelled forwards in time to seek help, believing they’re going to be murdered by the wicked Mr and Mrs Wickens. And Lucy and Jamie’s strange visitor seems to be the key to it all. With his help, they must travel back to 1821 to save Sara and Georgie and redeem their remorseful new friend – The Amazing Mr Blunden.
“To me, everything about ‘The Amazing Mr Blunden’ is magical. A ghost story with a sentimental heart. A costume drama with a time-travelling twist. Scary villains, melancholy, laughter and joy,” commented Gatiss. “I first came across the wonderful original film at primary school when it was shown on a battered old projector on that most hallowed of occasions – the last Friday before the Christmas holidays. In our new version, as in the book, the Allen family are very much from the modern world. I can’t wait to share the adventure with a whole new audience.”
Simon Callow takes the title role of Mr Blunden, with Mark Gatiss and Tamsin Greig as Mr and Mrs Wickens. Newcomers Tsion Habte and Jason Rennie take the roles of Lucy and Jamie Allen, alongside India Fowler and Xavier Wilkins as Sara and Georgie Latimer.
“When we learnt that the incomparable Mark Gatiss wanted to update this absolute classic for the 21st century, we thought all our Christmases had come at once,” adds Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy, Sky Studios. “The Amazing Mr Simon Callow and Tamsin Greig complete a trio of national treasures, and introducing an incredible young cast alongside, we couldn’t be prouder – roll on Christmas!”
‘The Amazing Mr Blunden’ was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content for Sky UK and Ireland and Jon Mountague, Sky Studios’ Director of Comedy. Produced by Richelle Wilder and Isibeal Ballance, directed and written by Mark Gatiss, the show is executive produced by Adorable Media, Can Do Productions, Handmade Films and Jon Mountague for Sky Studios. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of the film on behalf of Sky Studios.
‘The Amazing Mr Blunden’ will premiere on Sky and streaming service NOW in Christmas 2021.
