Magic Light Developing The Velveteen Rabbit Special

Magic Light Pictures is in development for an adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit from BAFTA Award-winning writer Tom Bidwell (Katy, Watership Down).

Bidwell’s version of The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams’ classic children’s story about the bond between a boy and his toy rabbit who dreams of being real, will be Magic Light’s first-ever live-action/animated special. The company, which was behind The Gruffalo and Revolting Rhymes, is currently in discussions with broadcasters.

“We are thrilled to be working with Tom to create the definitive version of this wonderful classic story,” said Martin Pope, co-founder of Magic Light Pictures. “The tale begins at Christmas with its wintry landscapes, then takes us into vivid imaginary worlds. Tom is such a tremendous BAFTA-winning talent, and with his captivating characters and the heart-tugging story we are hoping to create a film that will prove essential Christmas family viewing for years to come.”

Bidwell added: “Like all great works of children’s literature, The Velveteen Rabbit tells a story about important themes like love and loss, yet it does so with breathtaking imagination and joy. I love the fact that it’s a vignette set at Christmas. It’s almost like our audience is pulled inside the picture on the front of a Christmas card into a world of magic and wonder. Working on such a treasured story with Magic Light Pictures is a dream project.”