So what’s Nicolas Winding Refn been up to lately, besides advocating for WGA and SAG guild members to “burn it all down”? He’s hard at work in the UK shooting his next TV series after “Copenhagen Cowboy.” And it’s a strange project for Refn to do, to say the least. The Danish director is adapting Enid Blyton‘s “The Famous Book” children’s book series for the BBC. NWF making a show for kids? That’s about the last thing one would expect from the enfant terrible.
But according to World Of Reel, Refn couldn’t be more excited about the series. “All my life I’ve fought vigorously to remain a child with a lust for adventure,” Refn said in a statement about the show. “By reimagining the “Famous Five,” I am preserving that notion by bringing these iconic stories to life for a progressive new audience, instilling the undefinable allure and enchantment of childhood for current and future generations to come.”
For those unfamiliar with Blyton’s novels and short stories, the book series follows four kids and their trusted canine on treacherous and action-packed adventures around the Cornish coast. All told, there are 21 novels and a handful of short stories Blyton’s series, so one surmises Refn doesn’t plan on adapting them all. BCC ordered the show for three 90-minute episodes.
And in another intriguing bit of news, The Guardian reports that “The Famous Five” sees “Game Of Thrones” actor Jack Gleeson return to acting after nine years away. The Irish actor retired from the screen and stage after finishing his lauded performance as Joffrey Baratheon on the HBO series. Gleeson also has an upcoming role in the Irish thriller “In The Land Of Saints And Sinners,” with Liam Neeson and Kerry Condon. Other cast for “The Famous Five” includes Diana Babnicova, Elliott Rose, Kit Rakusen, Flora Jacoby Richardson, and Kip, a Bearded Collie Cross, playing Timmy the Dog. Also starring in the BBC series: Ann Akinjirin, James Lance, and Diana Quick.
A good chunk of filming for the series has already been completed, with episode one director and executive Tim Kirkby happy with the proceedings. “Our brilliant young cast are mind-blowingly talented and, along with Kip (playing Timmy), they are already bringing these gorgeous characters to life in a fresh and modern way,” he said in a statement. “Together with the brilliant Jack, Ann, James, and Diana we can’t wait to bring these glorious, action-filled, epic, family adventures to the screen.” BBC co-produces “The Famous Five” with the German studio ZDF. Refn serves as executive producer on the series with Kirkby and Matthew Read.
While no one expected Refn to follow up “Copenhagen Cowboy” with TV adaptation of a kids’ book series, it’s exciting that the Danish director is still working. Let’s see if his style comes through at all in a project that assuredly won’t have ample opportunities for neon lighting and ultra violence.