Stan has announced the eagerly awaited premiere of The Famous Five, a new series adaptation of Enid Blyton’s celebrated children’s novels.
Set to debut this December concurrently with its U.K. release, the series is poised to introduce Blyton’s timeless tales to a new generation.
The series, which has sold over 600 million copies globally, will be presented in three 90-minute feature-length instalments. These episodes aim to deliver a cinematic experience, blending the nostalgia of Blyton’s classic stories with contemporary storytelling techniques.
The Famous Five chronicles the escapades of five young adventurers, showcasing their journey through a series of mysteries and dangers, underpinned by a strong sense of camaraderie. The cast includes Diaana Babnicova as George, Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, and newcomer Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne, with a Bearded Collie Cross named Kip portraying Timmy the dog.
The series also features a stellar supporting cast, with Jack Gleeson, Ann Akinjirin, James Lance, and Diana Quick in key roles. Viewers can anticipate an array of adventures, including a treasure hunt on a deserted island, a complex secret service mission, and a race against time to find a mysterious manuscript as war looms.
A co-production between BBC and ZDF, the series’ executive production team includes Nicolas Winding Refn and Matthew Read, with contributions from multiple renowned directors and writers. The first episode, directed by Tim Kirkby, sets the tone for this ambitious project.
BBC Studios, holding a minority stake in Moonage Pictures, will manage the international distribution of the series. The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+, with Amy Buscombe serving as the Commissioning Editor for the BBC. ZDF‘s involvement is overseen by Frank Seyberth and Katharina Kremling.
This adaptation of The Famous Five marks a significant step in bringing classic literature to contemporary audiences, with its December premiere on Stan signifying a landmark moment in both literary adaptation and streaming content.
