Rob Brydon stars in The Scarecrows’ Wedding
Rob Brydon will play Reginald Rake in The Scarecrows’ Wedding - the forthcoming Christmas short animated film adventure adapted from the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Rob Brydon is starring in The Scarecrows’ Wedding.
The forthcoming Christmas short animated film adventure - adapted for BBC One and BBC iPlayer from the beloved picture book, written by Julia Donaldson, 77, and illustrated by 67 year old Axel Scheffler - will mark the Gavin and Stacey actor's 13th animated special of their work.
Rob voices Reginald Rake, the rogue in the story that follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Domhnall Gleeson), who are preparing for their big day when trouble arrives in the form of smooth-talking Reginald.
And Rob - who has appeared in the likes of 2009's The Gruffalo (Snake), 2012's Room on the Broom (Cat), and 2024's Tiddler (Fisherman/Whale/Starfish) - declared Reginald as his favourite character out of all the alter egos he has voiced in the 13 animated short films.
Rob, 60, said: "I’ve been lucky enough to appear in every Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation so far, and Reginald Rake has to be one of the most enjoyable characters yet.
"He’s vain, charming, and utterly unreliable - a proper cad! Playing him has been enormous fun."
Jessie, 35, teased that The Scarecrows’ Wedding is filled with "beautiful" moments.
She added: "I love this story.
"The film has so many beautiful little moments, but I love the scene where the first glimmers of love get expressed between Harry and Betty – the anxiety and the tentativeness around that.
"They’re both edging closer and closer to being in the relationship, realising that they want to be together … we’ve all been there.
"It’s all about young love, and recognising what’s important to you in life."
And Domhnall, 42, "loved" playing Harry, and he said it was a "thrill" to be a part of The Scarecrows’ Wedding.
He commented: "Harry is such a warm-hearted character, loyal, loving, and determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty.
"I loved bringing him to life, especially when his devotion is tested and he has to prove he’s the real hero of the story.
"I also loved the process of developing Harry, and I’m so happy to be working with this team and voice cast.
"It’s a thrill to be part of something made especially for kids at Christmas.”
Narrating The Scarecrows’ Wedding is Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo, and she said it was a "joy" to be involved in the project.
The 57-year-old star added: "What I love about The Scarecrows’ Wedding is that it feels timeless, it’s a story about love, loyalty, and finding out what really matters.
"Narrating it has been a joy, and I can’t wait for families to enjoy it together this Christmas."
The short film also marks BBC and Oscar-nominated producers, Magic Light Pictures' 13th animated special.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, written by Steven Bloomer, and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures.
Animation services by Red Star with assets and animation support by Triggerfish Animation.
Last year’s adaptation, Tiddler, was seen by 7.3 million viewers within 28 days.
It also secured the highest Christmas Day audience share for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009.
It has now been watched by 11.3 million viewers.
Magic Light’s earlier adaptations of Julia and Axel's works are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
