Channel 4 (U.K.) in association with Universal Pictures Content Group has commissioned a new hand-drawn animated special produced by Lupus Films, for HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group, of classic children’s book Mog’s Christmas — time to the 100th anniversary year of author-illustrator Judith Kerr’s birth.
The production partners previously teamed up on Channel 4’s Emmy Award-winning adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which was the third highest-rating program on the channel in the whole of 2019.
“We are delighted to create another animated film for Channel 4 and Universal Pictures Content Group working with our long-time collaborators, director Robin Shaw and screenwriter Joanna Harrison.,” said producer Ruth Fielding, Co-Founder of Lupus Films. “This festive, family-friendly tale has huge cross generational appeal and is the perfect literary classic to adapt for the whole family to come together to watch. We are thrilled to once again bring Judith Kerr’s delightful illustrations to life in animation and to do so in the 100th anniversary of her birth feels very special”.
The very gifted voice cast for the new special was unwrapped today, lead by narrator Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Broadchurch), bringing Mog’s family and neighbors to life. Claire Foy (The Crown, A Very British Scandal) plays Mrs. Thomas, Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Doctor Strange) is Mr. Thomas, Miriam Margolyes (The Age of Innocence, The Sandman audiobook) and Maggie Steed (Paddington 2, Fisherman’s Friends) play the Aunts.
Additionally, Zawe Ashton (Mr. Malcolm’s List, Fresh Meat) is one of Mog’s neighbors, Mrs. Gaynor; Charlie Higson (The Fast Show, Ted and Ralph) plays the Jolly Uncle; comedian Gareth Berliner (Doctor Who) is the Chestnut Seller and newcomers Amelie Law (age 11) and Teddy Skelton (age nine) play children Debbie and Nicky.
Mog’s purrs and meows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Kerr’s daughter, who commented, “Our own Mog was a huge part of my childhood. I hope I’ve done her justice!”
“We are utterly delighted to be bringing Mog to screen with our partners. It is the perfect Christmas tale full of fun and adventure with a star-studded cast including Claire Foy as Mrs. Thomas and Benedict Cumberbatch as Mr. Thomas,” said Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 4.
“Channel 4 has a long-standing relationship with Lupus Films and together with their creative flair we have brought so many classic stories to the screen that have been enjoyed by generations of viewers. Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog will be a great addition to this collection and a really special festive treat for the audience.”
Created by Kerr and based on the antics of her first family cat, the Mog series of books started with Mog the Forgetful Cat, which was first published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children’s Books and has never been out of print. The warm-hearted and funny adventures went on to inspire a further 17 picture books in the series, selling over 4 million copies worldwide and translated into 21 languages.
In Mog’s Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are busy making preparations for Christmas. With two aunts and a jolly uncle also staying in the house, Mog, the beloved family cat, is feeling a bit ignored. When Mr. Thomas and the two children arrive home with an enormous Christmas tree, Mog takes fright and scrambles onto the roof for safety. Regardless of the Thomas family’s attempts to rescue her, Mog doesn’t manage to come down.
Despite everyone’s fears, Mog has a magical night in the snow with a cat-themed Christmas dream. The next morning on Christmas day, when a hungry Mog hears the mention of breakfast, she falls down the chimney and arrives in the kitchen to the surprise and relief of all the family. At last Mog has everyone’s attention, and a Happy Christmas is had by all!
Juliet Matthews, Color Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, commented, “HarperCollins Children’s Books is proud to be the home of all of Judith Kerr’s books. We are thrilled that the beloved Mog will now be introduced to a whole new generation of children through this delightful animation.”
Mog’s Christmas was commissioned by Lloyd and Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, in association with UPCG and produced by Lupus Films founders Camilla Deakin and Fielding, with executive producers Matthews, Kerr’s children Tacy and Matthew Kneale and Ann-Janine Murtagh.
The hand-drawn film inspired by Kerr’s illustrations is being directed by Robin Shaw (The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; AD, The Snowman and The Snowdog) and written by Joanna Harrison (The Tiger Who Came to Tea; co-director, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; co-writer/art director, The Snowman and The Snowdog).
Universal Pictures Content Group will manage the global distribution and marketing for the animated special outside of Channel 4’s rights. Mog’s Christmas is a Lupus Films production in association with Tabby Tales, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group for Channel 4 Television.
