Here’s a big truth, sometimes, particular hits are region-specific. That’s very true of “The Railway Children,” a big hit in the U.K. in the 1970s that didn’t make a considerable dent here in the U.S. (there was also a BBC 1968 television serial). It’s still largely unknown stateside, but that hasn’t stopped the filmmakers of “The Railway Children Return” from taking big inspiration from the original.
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BAFTA & Emmy Award-winning Jenny Agutter resumes her role as Bobbie from the original “The Railway Children” and is joined by BAFTA-winning Sheridan Smith (“Cilla”), Academy Award nominee & BAFTA-winning Tom Courtenay (“45 Years,” “Billy Liar”) and John Bradley (“Game Of Thrones”).
The new generation of Railway Children are Beau Gadsdon (“The Crown,” “Star Wars: Rogue One”), KJ Aikens, Eden Hamilton, Austin Haynes, and Zac Cudby.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Inspired by one of the most beloved British family films of all time, THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN is an enchanting and heartwarming adventure for a new generation. Jenny Agutter resumes her role as Bobbie from the original film and is joined by Sheridan Smith (CILLA), Tom Courtenay (45 YEARS, BILLY LIAR), and John Bradley (GAME OF THRONES). 1944 – As life in Britain’s cities becomes increasingly perilous, three evacuee children – Lily (Beau Gadsdon), Pattie (Eden Hamilton), and Ted (Zac Cudby) Watts – are sent by their mother from Salford to the Yorkshire village of Oakworth. There to meet them on the train station platform are Bobbie Waterbury (Jenny Agutter, reprising her iconic role in the original film), her daughter, Annie (Sheridan Smith), and grandson Thomas (Austin Haynes), and with their help, the evacuees are soon settling into their new life in the countryside. When the children discover injured American soldier Abe (KJ Aikens) hiding out in the railyard at Oakworth Station, they are thrust into a dangerous quest to assist their new friend who, like them, is a long way from home.
Directed by BAFTA-winning director Morgan Matthews (“X+Y”), “The Railway Children Return” arrives in U.K. cinemas on 15 July 2022. Watch the new trailer below.