Watership Down may be one of the most famously disturbing children stories of all time. A tale of survival, intrigue, caste systems and hope, it hasn’t really fallen out of popularity over the last four decades. Which naturally means it’s due for a retelling. This time that comes in the form of a mini-series by the BBC and Netflix. Take a peek at the trailer below.
Even in only a minute and a half of footage, it’s easy to see how Watership Down separates itself from the pack. The darker overtones and serious nature of the plot will likely have many parents watching this one closely with their kids. It was also the case with the 1978 animated feature, but that one’s gone on to become a seminal classic. Getting a Criterion Collection release in the process.
The new 4 part mini-series boasts a wealth of vocal talent. Seriously, it doesn’t look like they’ve skimped on the big names they could scrounge up. Nicholas Hoult, James McAvoy, Gemma Arterton, John Boyega, Rosamund Pike, Peter Capaldi and Ben Kingsley are all here.
If there’s one thing that does give us pause here, it’s the animation. Something about it feels rough and unfinished. As if it were for a demo reel. One from about a decade ago. Now, admittedly, this is only a small snippet we have seen. There’s a good chance the nagging feeling will pass, the more that’s seen. Or, at least that’s the hope.
What do you all think? Are you excited to introduce a new generation to this harrowing tale? Do you think the animation looks sketchy or is merely an artistic decision? How do you feel about the previous animated effort? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check Watership Down, when it premieres on BBC and Netflix, December 23.
