An animated television special based on a children’s book by Dame Julia Donaldson is scheduled to air during the Christmas season. The production, titled The Baddies, adapts Donaldson’s picture book illustrated by Axel Scheffler and centers on three main characters: a troll, a ghost, and a witch.
The half-hour special features voice acting from Welsh actor Rob Brydon, who portrays the ghost character. Joining him are Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman, both known for their work alongside Brydon on the television series Gavin and Stacey. The cast also includes Hammed Animashaun as the troll, Robyn Cara as a girl character, and Francesca Mills in a narration role.
The story follows a young girl who moves to a cottage located near the three antagonistic characters. A mouse subsequently challenges the trio to steal the girl’s blue spotted hanky, but the children’s resolution becomes complicated as they discover the girl proves more formidable than anticipated. According to the BBC and production company Magic Light Pictures, the special emphasizes themes of courage, kindness, and resistance to bullying.
The project joins a series of previous screen adaptations of Donaldson’s literary works, including The Gruffalo, Zog, and The Scarecrows’ Wedding. Brydon previously appeared in an adaptation of The Scarecrows’ Wedding as the character Reginald Rake. Donaldson commented on the writing process, describing enthusiasm for developing the antagonistic characters and exploring scenarios involving a protagonist capable of matching their abilities. Smith stated that participating in the production proved rewarding, characterizing the finished film as humorous, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant with visually appealing animation.
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