UK-based international sales company GFM has come on board ‘Molesworth,’ directed by Uli Meyer, to handle worldwide sales. GFM Animation will also provide production financing for the 2D animated feature, working with Lupus Films producers Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
Molesworth is based on the book series by Geoffrey Willans, illustrated by Ronald Searle. It tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident public schoolboy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for daydreams. Matt Lucas will voice the title character.
The film is German animator Meyer’s feature debut as director; he has previously been a lead animator on films including 1996’s Space Jam, 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns and 2019’s Aladdin.
Molesworth is co-produced by Stephan Roelants for Luxembourg’s Melusine Productions, and Meyer’s London-based Uli Meyer Studios. The screenplay is written by Keiron Self and Giles New (The Canterville Ghost, A Christmas Number One).
Camilla Deakin commented: “The Molesworth series of books were among my favourites when I was growing up. The hilarious humour and wonderful illustrations by Ronald Searle cry out to be adapted as animation.”
“Bringing to life this much-loved character, using Uli Meyer’s fabulous 2D skills and great script, creates a great adventure story that we’re confident will appeal to a modern audience worldwide,” said Sean Feeney, head of production at GFM Animation; while Meyer described bringing the Molesworth characters to screen as “a lifelong dream”.