We’re delighted to announce that Channel 4 has commissioned a new hand-drawn animated special we are producing for HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group, of classic children’s book Mog’s Christmas in the 100th anniversary year of Judith Kerr’s birth. The team last worked together on Emmy award-winning adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which was the third highest-rating programme on the channel in the whole of 2019.
A sparkling voice cast led by narrator Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Broadchurch) brings Mog’s family and neighbours to life. Claire Foy (The Crown, A Very British Scandal) plays Mrs Thomas, Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Dr Strange) is Mr Thomas, Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter, The Age of Innocence) and Maggie Steed (Paddington 2, Fisherman’s Friends) play the Aunts, Zawe Ashton (Mr Malcolms List, Fresh Meat), is one of Mog’s neighbours, Mrs Gaynor, Charlie Higson (The Fast Show, Ted and Ralph) plays the Jolly Uncle, comedian Gareth Berliner (Dr Who) is the Chestnut Seller and newcomers Amelie Law (age 11) and Teddy Skelton (age 9) play children Debbie and Nicky. Meanwhile, Mog’s purrs and miaows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Judith Kerr’s daughter, who said ‘Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood. I hope I’ve done her justice!’
Created by Judith Kerr the author/illustrator and based on the antics of her first family cat, the Mog series of books started with Mog the Forgetful Cat, which was first published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children’s Books and has never been out of print. The warm-hearted and funny adventures went on to inspire a further 17 picture books in the series, selling over four million copies worldwide and translated into 21 languages.
Ruth Fielding, producer and co-founder of Lupus Films said: “We are delighted to create another animated film for Channel 4 and Universal Pictures Content Group working with our long-time collaborators, director Robin Shaw and screenwriter Joanna Harrison. This festive, family-friendly tale has huge cross generational appeal and is the perfect literary classic to adapt for the whole family to come together to watch. We are thrilled to once again bring Judith Kerr’s delightful illustrations to life in animation and to do so in the 100th anniversary of her birth feels very special”.