Javier Bardem is turning things up…
The 57-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actor has joined the star-studded voice cast of upcoming family fantasy animated film, The Turning Door, written and directed by filmmaker and artist Nicholas Ashe Bateman.
Bardem is among a roster of Academy Award-winning actors to join the cast that includes Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave.
In addition, Swedish composer Anna von Hausswolff joins the cast, along with newcomer Pippa Kelly as the young heroine Ariadlyn.
Previously announced voice cast includes Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson.
The cast will perform original songs and music written by Claire Givens and Bateman.
Mister Smith Entertainment will continue international sales at the upcoming TIFF market, where they will debut new footage from the film to foreign buyers.
The synopsis reads: “A little girl finds a mysterious box hidden in her parent’s closet. As it grows into an open door, she falls through to another world called The Turning. There, she must embark on a grand adventure of old magic, strange creatures, new lands, alchemy, dreams and songs, all to return home and save her parents.”
The film is produced by Christine D’Souza of After Hours, Hunter Hall and Bateman of Maere Studios and Laura Rister for Esme Grace Pictures.
Production is currently underway.
Bateman commented: “After many years of writing and dreaming about making parts for great actors, I am almost unable to express the gratitude, excitement and wonder I have for the profound gift of our cast. These are iconic artists. They bring their perspectives; their grand lives and views of the world, their immeasurable talents, towering performances, and a shared desire to make hopeful pictures for young people. Javier, Marion, Anna, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and our dear heroine Pippa Kelly all possess a true magic which has transformed our epic. It has been the honour of my lifetime to bring these actors — each the greatest of their generation — finally together. These are happy dreams, and the happiest: we get to hear them all sing!”
