'Four Kids and It': Exclusive first look at Michael Caine's Psammead in new Sky Cinema release

Sky today announced a brand new addition to its Sky originals film slate, Four Kids and It.

The film starring Matthew Goode, Paula Patton, Russell Brand and Sir Michael Caine will be available on Sky Cinema the same day as its theatrical release at Easter, 2020.

We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to share a first look at the new film (above) which is based on Jacqueline Wilson’s hugely popular 2012 children’s book, Four Children and It, illustrated by Nick Sharratt.

The first image shows the magical and very grumpy Psammead (pronounced Sammy-add), the wish-granting “It” of the title, which will be voiced in the film by Sir Michael Caine.

Set on the beautiful Cornish coast, Four Kids and It is described as a fun-filled family adventure where four children embark on the ultimate journey to discover if a magical creature can really make all their wishes come true.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Sir Michael Caine (The Dark Knight, The Italian Job), Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey, A Discovery Of Witches), Paula Patton (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Precious) and Russell Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get him to the Greek).

Read more: First look at Sky Cinema’s Twist

Wilson’s book was based on the 1902 book Five Children and It by E. Nesbit, which has been adapted for screen a number of times in the past. In 1991, it was turned into a six-part TV series by the BBC with Francis Wright voicing and puppeteering the Psammead, and was broadcast in America as The Sand Fairy.

A film version was also released in 2004 starring Freddie Highmore and Eddie Izzard as the voice of “It”.

Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland, commented: “Four Kids and It is another example of our huge ambition for Sky original films. We are passionate about great storytelling and I know, with this fantastic cast, that our customers are definitely in for a treat this Easter.”

Synopsis: New couple Alice (Patton) and David (Goode) take their less than enthusiastic children on a family holiday to a Cornish cottage to meet each other for the first time. The holiday takes an unexpected turn when, on the local beach, the kids discover a magical and very grumpy Psammead (Caine), a creature with the power to grant magical wishes.

Unfortunately, they also run into local aristocratic oddball Tristan (Brand), who wants to capture the Psammead for his own gain. The ensuing adventure brings the new siblings together and helps them to accept their parents’ newfound happiness.

Directed by Andy De Emmony, Four Kids and It is produced by Julie Baines of Dan Films and Anne Brogan of Kindle Entertainment and co-produced by Jonathan Taylor and Paul Donovan. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp for T&B Media Global, Tannaz Anisi and Gregory R. Schenz for 13 Films and Geraldine East were Executive Producers. The film is written by Simon Lewis (Tiger House, The Anomaly) with additional writing by Mark Oswin (Danger Mouse, 4 O’clock Club). Sky acquired the film from 13 Films.

In 2020 Easter falls on Sunday, April 12, but an official release date for Four Kids and It remains TBC.