Voice Cast Revealed for Channel 4 Holiday Special

LONDON: Channel 4, Lupus Films and Walker Productions have brought Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris, Mark Williams and Michael Rosen on board the voice cast for the animated special We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Colman (Broadchurch, The Night Manager) has signed on to voice Mum, while Ferris (Matilda, Call the Midwife) will portray Grandma and Williams (Harry Potter, Father Brown) will provide the voice for Dad. Rosen, who wrote the best-selling book on which the half-hour film is based, will play the bear. The film is slated to air on Channel 4 this Christmas.

The story follows the adventures of a group of siblings and their dog Rufus as they set out on an adventure in search of bears. The kids encounter many obstacles such as snowstorms, oozing mud and dark forests, but the real challenge begins when the group is separated. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is produced by Lupus Films in association with Bear Hunt Films, Walker Productions and Herrick Entertainment for Channel 4. It is distributed internationally by Union Media.

Piers Wenger, the head of drama for Channel 4, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Olivia, Mark and Pam on board this fantastic family adventure, and Michael playing the bear is an inspired touch. It’s a brilliant cast for a brilliant, classic story; I can’t wait for Christmas.”

Camilla Deakin, producer for Lupus Films, commented, “We are thrilled to have attracted the services of such a high-caliber cast to bring our grown-up characters to life. Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris and Mark Williams are wonderful actors with highly distinctive styles and we’re delighted that they are joining us for this timeless adventure, along with Michael Rosen, who makes a very convincing bear!”

Colman added: “What appealed to me about the story is the bond the family have—they care for and look after each other. Another wonderful aspect of the story is that it’s kids enjoying a natural adventure with their imaginations, fresh air and the wilderness. I love that they commit to their adventure…I would like to go with them!”