Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy have spoken about the joy of filming the upcoming Enid Blyton adaptation The Magic Faraway Tree, describing it as a welcome departure from their recent emotionally heavy roles. Foy, known for her performances in All of Us Strangers and Women Talking, said she felt relieved to play a mother without trauma or grief. Garfield, who recently portrayed a predatory professor in After the Hunt, agreed that joy was the priority on set.
The film, written by Paddington 2’s Simon Farnaby, follows the Thompson family as they move to a countryside home and discover a magical tree inhabited by eccentric characters. Foy and Garfield play parents Polly and Tim, with their children portrayed by Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche. The cast also includes Nicola Coughlan as Silky and Nonso Anozie as Moonface.
Garfield described the film as “a warm hug in a warm bath… consensually,” adding that it was spiritually uplifting. The pair first worked together a decade ago on the biopic Breathe, and Garfield noted the trust and care that made their reunion feel natural. Foy admitted comedy does not come naturally to her, but Garfield insisted she was very funny in the film.
Both actors praised their young co-stars, with Foy calling them the least precocious children she had ever met. Garfield reflected on the liberating experience of ageing and realising that what happens on set is less important than previously imagined. The Magic Faraway Tree is set for release later this year.
