The Magic Faraway Tree film modernizes Enid Blyton classic

Vertical’s upcoming film The Magic Faraway Tree adapts Enid Blyton’s 1940s children’s novels for a contemporary audience. Directed by Ben Gregor and starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, the picture follows three siblings who discover a magical tree in the English countryside that leads to fantastical lands. Screenwriter Simon Farnaby aimed to blend the original adventure and family values with modern relevance, emphasizing outdoor play and a reconnection with nature.

The production uses practical sets, including an edible “Land of Goodies” where children could actually taste the scenery. At its New York premiere, Garfield and Foy discussed the film’s updated themes, such as a parent quitting a data‑gathering smart‑fridge job, and highlighted the film’s warm, tactile approach as a “big hug” for viewers.