Advanced Television

Channel 4 orders Mog for Xmas

May 23, 2023

By Nik Roseveare

Channel 4, in association with Universal Pictures Content Group, has commissioned a new hand-drawn animated special produced by Lupus Films, for HarperCollins Children’s Books and Universal Pictures Content Group, of classic children’s book Mog’s Christmas in the 100th anniversary year of author Judith Kerr’s birth.

The team last worked together on Channel 4’s Emmy seasonal hit – an adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea – which was the third highest-rating programme on the channel in the whole of 2019.

The voice cast is led by narrator Adjoa Andoh who brings Mog’s family and neighbours to life. Claire Foy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Miriam Margolyes, Maggie Steed, Zawe Ashton, Charlie Higson and Gareth Berliner will also all voice characters in the feature.

Created by Kerr, the author/illustrator, and based on the antics of her first family cat, the Mog series of books started with Mog the Forgetful Cat, which was first published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children’s Books and has never been out of print.

Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, commented: “We are utterly delighted to be bringing Mog to screen with our partners. It is the perfect Christmas tale full of fun and adventure with a star-studded cast including Claire Foy as Mrs Thomas and Benedict Cumberbatch as Mr Thomas. Channel 4 has a long-standing relationship with Lupus Films and together with their creative flair we have brought so many classic stories to the screen that have been enjoyed by generations of viewers. Judith Kerr’s much-loved Mog will be a great addition to this collection and a really special festive treat for the audience.”

Ruth Fielding, producer and co-founder of Lupus Films said: “We are delighted to create another animated film for Channel 4 and Universal Pictures Content Group working with our long-time collaborators, director Robin Shaw and screenwriter Joanna Harrison. This festive, family-friendly tale has huge cross generational appeal and is the perfect literary classic to adapt for the whole family to come together to watch. We are thrilled to once again bring Judith Kerr’s delightful illustrations to life in animation and to do so in the 100th anniversary of her birth feels very special”.

Juliet Matthews, Colour Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, added: “HarperCollins Children’s Books is proud to be the home of all of Judith Kerr’s books. We are thrilled that the beloved Mog will now be introduced to a whole new generation of children through this delightful animation”.

Universal Pictures Content Group will manage the global distribution and marketing for the animated special outside of Channel 4’s rights.

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