Rebecca Ferguson has been cast in the adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Tree by Neal Street Productions, Elysian Film Group and Ashland Hill Media Finance.

The film is based on Blyton’s popular “The Faraway Tree” series and follows the Thompson family as they move to the English countryside and discover a magical tree. The fantastical tree’s inhabitants transport visitors to faraway lands, setting the stage for a series of whimsical adventures. Ferguson plays Dame Snap, the story’s fearsome headmistress. The screenplay was written by Simon Farnaby (“Wonka,” “Paddington 2”).

The actor from “Dune” and “Mission: Impossible” joins previously confirmed actors Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy in the fantasy adventure film. The cast also includes Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Dustin Demri Jones, Mark Heap, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders, Hiran Abeysekera and Pippa Bennett-Warner. Newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche play the Thompson children.

Ferguson’s 2024 slate includes roles in the film “Peaky Blinders” opposite Cillian Murphy, “Mercy” with Chris Pratt and Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming feature film. The second season of her Apple series “Silo,” which she stars in and produces, is set to premiere on November 15.

Director Ben Gregor said: “Rebecca has a commanding screen presence, is one of the finest actresses of her generation and will be an electrifying addition to our film.”

Producers include Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown of Neal Street Productions, Danny Perkins of Elysian Film Group and Jane Hooks. Ashland Hill Media Finance is fully financing the film, Palisades Park Pictures is handling worldwide distribution and CAA Media Finance is co-representing the US rights.

Ferguson is repped by Chalcot Square, CAA and Anonymous Content.