BBC One will reimagine Charlie Mackesy’s best-selling book of illustrations, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, for an animated short film that will air this Christmas.
The animation will be hand-drawn in full colour and will take audiences of all ages on a heartfelt journey as the boy’s unlikely friends join him on his search for home.
Tom Hollander will star as ‘the mole’, Idris Elba as ‘the fox’, Gabriel Byrne as ‘the horse’ and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as ‘the boy’.
On adapting his book for the screen, creator Charlie Mackesy said: “The journey of making the film of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with my ridiculously talented and kind animation team has been a magical one.
“It’s so great to think the story will be in the nation's homes this Christmas – and I really hope it helps bring comfort, love and laughter.”
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: “Charlie Mackesy’s heart-warming and inspirational story brought to life through NoneMore Productions’ and Bad Robot Productions’ beautiful animation, is about the importance of love, kindness and friendship.
“It’s the perfect fit for Christmas on the BBC and a reminder to us all about what really matters in this world."
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Christmas 2022.
