The series is a production of MoonagePictures, and THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO for BBC
Maria Pedraza, Amir Wilson and Jack Gleeson are some of the new cast members
The first season has been a huge audience success
BBC, Moonage Pictures (The Gentlemen) and Nicolas Winding Refntoday announce filming has begun on a brand-new series ofTheFamous Fivefor the BBC in the UK, in co-production with THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO which also holds the distribution rights for the series in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America
The 2x 90min series is created for television and executive produced by NICOLAS WINDING REFN (byNWR) & MATTHEW READ (Moonage Pictures) and follows on from the highly successful first series which aired on the BBC.The premiere, The Curse of Kirrin Island, was CBBC’s number one rated episode of shows in 2023.
The Famous Five is based on Enid Blyton’s iconic stories and follows the daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger and astounding secrets. Series two takes our heroes into strange and challenging waters as they face lifeduring wartime–and the hazards of growing up
The new series sees our fearless young heroes encounter a host of new problems. Julian is under strict instructions to be a responsible older brother and keep his siblings safe whilst George is committed to seeking out the best and biggest adventures against Julian’s advice
Dick is trying to be brave as the threat of war gets closer, and Anne’s formidable self-assurance is growing by the day. And Timmy? Timmy is deeply perturbed by the dwindling availability of sausages in Kirrin Cottage.
Diaana Babnicova returns as George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne. Making up the fifth member of The Famous Five and the gang’s faithful furry friend, is Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross playing Timmy the dog.
With Jack Gleeson, James Lance, Ann Akinjirin also reprising their roles, they are joined by new cast members, including Spanish actress Maria Pedraza (Money Heist, Elite), Amir Wilson (His Dark Materials), James Wilby (Poldark), Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey), Jemima Rooper (Geek Girl), Jonathan Aris (Sherlock) and Jamie Andrew Cutler (The Hurricane Heist).
Rooper starred as George in the 1990s Famous Five TV series and now takes on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest staying at a mysterious hotel.
James Lance says: “I am delighted to be back playing Uncle Quentin in The Famous Five. This series is a gem. It is a privilege to be working with our wonderful cast with the sweetest co-star, dear Kip who plays Timmy the dog as we follow him on these magical adventures.”
Matthew Read, Moonage Pictures says, “Thanks to the hugely positive audience response and international success of the first three films, Moonage Pictures is delighted to be going on further adventures with The Famous Five. It’s been a real joy bringing these new stories to life with my Good friend Nicolas Winding Refn and our wonderful cast and crew. We ar e so happy that Guy Andrews and Tom Bidwell have come on board to write these two new stories, encapsulating the thrill and excitement of the beloved books for a modern audience.”
Nicolas Winding Refn, creator and executive producer, says: “Nicolas Winding Refn, creator and executive producer, says: “The excitement I feel for the return of The Famous Five fills my inner child with pure content. It is an adventure to manifest the youthful fantasies of my imagination and watch these characters, essentially my lifelong friends, continue to blossom and evolve. This second season is sure to inspire and elicit unadulterated elation!”
The first season of ‘The Famous Five’ is now available on BBC iPlayer. The second episode of this second part will premiere in 2025.