I love it when the next Gabriel Byrne film is going to be available to as many people as possible and it looks like this one is!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy’s new animated film based on his beloved book, has been acquired by Apple Original Films and will stream globally on Christmas Day.

Huzzah! BBC will premiere the film for folks in the UK, but the rest of us can enjoy it on AppleTV+.

In my previous report on this new treat, I noted that Gabriel will be the voice of the Horse, my favorite character in the book. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me.

Ok, it makes me VERY happy. heart

Variety broke the news!

Apple Lands J.J. Abrams-Produced Animated Short ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’

Apple Original Films has acquired international rights for the animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.”

After becoming the first streaming service to win the Academy Award for best picture for “CODA,” the streaming platform has its eyes set on animated shorts.

Based on the internationally bestselling book of the same name by celebrated author Charlie Mackesy, the film will be coming to Apple TV+ on Dec. 25.

The BBC will premiere the film on BBC One and Player for viewers in the U.K. Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne and Jude Coward Nicoll comprise the voice cast.

“The journey of making the film of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with my incredibly gifted animation team has been a magical one,” Mackesy said in a statement to Variety. “I never dreamt it would happen — but it’s so moving to think the story will be watched at Christmas. I really hope it brings a bit of joy, laughter and comfort. . .”

“The Boy might be lost at the start of the film but we’re thrilled that he and his friends have found a home at Apple,” said Bad Robot’s Hannah Minghella. “The journey of making the film, much like the Boy’s journey, has brought together an incredible cast and crew of people. For all of us, it has been a privilege and a joy to bring Charlie’s characters to life so that their stories can continue to move and inspire audiences worldwide.”

Videos

Charlie Mackesy has kindly shared a few very short snippets from the film on his Facebook Page, which you should visit immediately because it is full of his art and it is wonderful!

These two clips give us just a taste of the lovely experience headed our way this Christmas.

There is no sound yet, but the film will be full of voices and music, of course.

Press Release from Apple Original Films

“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” – Premieres Sunday, December 25

A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heartwarming, classically animated film based on Charlie Mackesy’s book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.” The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse traveling together in the boy’s search for home. The film, featuring Mackesy’s distinctive illustrations brought to life in full color with beautiful hand-drawn animation, stars BAFTA Award winner Tom Hollander (“The Night Manager”) as The Mole, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Idris Elba (“Luther”) as The Fox, Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne (“All Things Bright and Beautiful”) as The Horse and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy.

Matthew Freud presents a Charlie Mackesy film, produced by Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Cara Speller (“Love, Death & Robots,” “Pear Cider and Cigarettes,” “Rocket & Groot”) of NoneMore Productions and Emmy Award winner J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot Productions. Directed by Peter Baynton (“The Tiger Who Came To Tea”) and Charlie Mackesy, the film is adapted from the original book in collaboration with Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”). The film is executive produced by Jony Ive and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”). Original score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander.

The film is presented in partnership with the BBC, who will premiere “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” in the UK, with the film available on Apple TV+ outside of the UK, this Christmas.

Source:

https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2022/10/apple-tv-is-ringing-in-the-holidays-with-all-new-festive-family-fare-from-sago-mini-friends-interrupting-chicken-pretzel-and-the-puppies-the-snoopy-show-fraggle-rock-back-to-the-rock-and-animated-short-film-the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse/