Netflix's animated adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Scrooge: A Christmas Carol" has gotten a trailer and a release date.
The animated feature, which will debut on the streamer on December 2, features the voice of Luke Evans as Scrooge, as well as Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Jonathan Pryce.
The animated film is described as a "supernatural, time-traveling musical adaptation of the definitive Christmas story," according to the synopsis. "With his very soul at stake, Scrooge has only one Christmas Eve left to face his past and build a better future."
Director: Stephen Donnelly
Writers: Leslie Bricusse, Charles Dickens, Stephen Donnelly
Stars: Jessie Buckley, Jonathan Pryce, Luke Evans
The trailer kicks off the family story with Scrooge (Luke Evans, Disney's live-action Pinocchio) terrorizing everyone he comes in contact with. Scrooge, the biggest fan of fun, is especially interested in getting his employee Bob Cratchit (Johnny Flynn, Lovesick) who is just trying to celebrate the holiday season with his family. All that grumpiness soon catches up with Scrooge when he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past (Olivia Colman, The Favourite), the Ghost of Christmas Present (Trevor Dion Nicholas, Aladdin: Live from the West End) and the ever-spooky Ghost. of the Christmas future With a musical twist, the film promises to be a vibrant and witty take on the story made famous by Charles Dickens. Scrooge also has a companion dog who seems to be very daring.
The voice cast is what will set this Scrooge story apart with the ensemble including Jessie Buckley as Isabel Fezziwig, Fra Fee playing Harry Huffam, Giles Terera as the voice of Tom Jenkins and James Cosmo as Mr. Fezziwig.
The music for Scrooge: A Christmas Carol was written by the late Leslie Bricusse OBE, who had a long career in the industry having won two Academy Awards and a Grammy for his work. Jeremy Holland-Smith also worked on the film's score, as arranger and producer. Ralph Kamp, Andrew Pearce and Bricusse were the producers of the film and Rebecca Kamp and Gareth Kamp joined as co-producers.
Director Stephen Donnelly said of the project: “It has been a fascinating challenge to adapt such a beloved and often told story. I think this version will give those who know 'A Christmas Carol' everything they've come to expect, just not like they've experienced it before. There are more than enough psychedelic, musical, and time-travel surprises to keep those familiar with the story on the edge of their seats, while the authentic essence of Dickens has been preserved for those who come completely fresh to the classic story. I can't wait to share this new version of 'A Christmas Carol' with the world and I sincerely hope the public embraces it this year and many more."
The songs are produced, arranged and composed by Jeremy Holland-Smith with music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” is produced by Ralph Kamp, Leslie Bricusse and Andrew Pearce. Rebecca Kamp and Gareth Kamp co-produce.