Director Sam Mendes, of Neale Street Productions, has secured rights to Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree collection of stories. Blyton’s four magical novels are up for film adaptation: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk Of The Faraway Tree and Up The Faraway Tree.
Enid Blyton wrote the books between 1939 and 1951, but they remain a firm favourite with many families. Blyton’s death in 1968 did not stop her from continuing to be one of the best-loved, and popular children’s authors.
Sam Mendes is best known for his films and television productions: the Oscar-nominated Revolutionary Road, Starter for Ten starring James McAvoy, and television series’, Call The Midwife, The Hollow Crown, and Penny Dreadful.
Mendes and his team have their hearts set on creating a live-action version of Enid Blyton’s enchanting stories, with her inimitable and treasured characters such as Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot, and Moonface.
According to the BBC, Pippa Harris of Neale Street Productions said:
“As a child I was captivated by The Faraway Tree books, and the magical worlds created by Enid Blyton. Re-reading the books today with my daughter, they completely retain their power to enchant. To be able to adapt these books for the big screen and introduce them to a new audience is a great honour.”
The books are currently in development for film production, and I know many of you will be looking forward to this! Generations of people have grown to love and admire Blyton’s creations, and to see them come to life in a live action movie will be a dream come true for many!
Buy the collection here:
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Absolutely can’t wait!