Sky Slates New Discworld Adaptation

Sky is co-producing The Amazing Maurice, based on one of Sir Terry Pratchett’s popular Discworld novels, with Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media.

Coming to Sky Cinema in 2022, The Amazing Maurice follows Maurice, a streetwise ginger cat who has the perfect money-making scam. A Sky original, the animated film will star Hugh Laurie (Avenue 5) as Maurice, alongside Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), David Thewlis (Wonder Woman), Himesh Patel (Yesterday), Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey).

The Amazing Maurice is co-produced by Sky, Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media, with animation studios Studio Rakete (Hamburg) and Red Star Animation (Sheffield). The film has the full support of the Terry Pratchett estate and is produced in association with Narrativia.

Sarah Wright, director of Sky Cinema and acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland, commented: “The Amazing Maurice is a fantastic story from a legendary author, and I couldn’t think of a better tale to bring to life as an animated film for all the family. I’m excited to work with Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media to bring this exclusive new movie to Sky Cinema audiences in 2022.”

Emely Christians, producer and CEO of Ulysses Filmproduktion, said: “When I read The Amazing Maurice, I knew we had to turn this amazing novel into a film. The art and animation departments are working hard to recreate Terry Pratchett’s unique vision and I can’t wait to see this on-screen!”

Andrew Baker, producer and CEO of Cantilever Media, said: “I’m a huge fan of Sir Terry Pratchett so I would not be embarking on this project unless I felt we were bringing the film to life in a way that honors the book and will please its numerous fans around the world. We have a great cast and great teams at the studios in Sheffield and Hamburg working to make this film special.”

Robert Chandler, producer at Cantilever Media, said: “The trick with The Amazing Maurice is getting the balance right. Terry Pratchett is a brilliant author, who was not afraid to explore dark places and have fun getting there. That’s the tone of our film.”

Rob Wilkins, producer and managing director of Narrativia, said: “Bringing Maurice’s story to life was such a joy for Terry and I’m delighted that the teams at Sky, Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media are honoring his vision with such reverence and respect.”