CANNES: Freddie Highmore, Imelda Staunton Join ‘Canterville Ghost’

LONDON — Freddie Highmore (“Bates Motel”), Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”), Miranda Hart (“Call The Midwife”) and Toby Jones (“The Hunger Games”) have joined the voicecast of animated film “Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost,” which features Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

Giles New and Keiron Self are adapting the film, which will be helmed by Kim Burdon. It is produced by Robert Chandler and Gina Carter. Content will be handling worldwide sales at Cannes.

Currently in pre-production, the comedy follows the story of Sir Simon de Canterville, who has been haunting his ancestral home in rural England, Canterville Chase, for over 300 years. He has successfully scared off every previous tenant with ease and aplomb, up until the Otis family from America moves in.

Content’s Jamie Carmichael said: “Take one bone rattling ‘Canterville Ghost,’ add a dollop of Fry, a slice of Laurie, and the result is pure, perfect, hilarious magic.”

Chandler and Carter commented: “The animation allows us to emphasize the comedy and the epic qualities of Sir Simon’s journey. The hauntings will be magnificently visual; the humor laugh-out-loud; the love story at its center deeply moving.”

Staunton, Highmore and Jones are represented by Artist Rights Group. Miranda Hart is represented by Troika.

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