Rebecca Ferguson has been added to the cast of director Ben Gregor’s film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s novel series The magical faraway tree. The film is based on the classic children’s books and follows the Thompsons, who travel to a rural area in England and come across a magical tree that transports them to a fairytale land. Ferguson takes on the role of Dame Snap, the terrifying headmistress in the book series.

She joins the existing cast, which includes Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Dustin Demri Jones, Mark Heap, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders, Pippa Bennett-Warner and Hiran Abeysekera. Newcomers Billie Gadsdon, Phoenix Laroche and Delilah Bennett-Cardy will play the Thompson children.

Recently Gregor said: The magical faraway tree explores children’s fears and digital withdrawal in the wake of the pandemic while celebrating the joys of being on the move.

Ferguson’s upcoming projects include Peaky Blinders Film, alongside Cillian Murphy, a film by Kathryn Bigelow, and compassion with Chris Pratt. Also season 2 of the Apple show silowhich she produces and in which she stars, is scheduled to premiere on November 15th.

Filmmaker Ben Gregor expressed his delight at Ferguson’s joining the project, stating: “Rebecca has a commanding screen presence, is one of the finest actresses of her generation and will be an electrifying addition to our film.”