Izzard lands another film role

Eddie Izzard is to star in a film version of E Nesbit's classic children's book Five Children And It.

Kenneth Branagh has also signed on to the $22million project, which will mix live action with computer effects.

Izzard will provide the voice of It, a foul-tempered 8,000-year-old sand fairy who grants wishes to five youngsters who are staying at the seaside home of their uncle, played by Branagh.

Jim Henson's Creature Shop will create a remote-controlled It, and filming is due to start in July.

"Like Harry Potter, it will have a modern feel that's accessible to children today," Sharon Harell, from the London-based producers Capitol Films. Told film industry journal Variety.

The Isle of Man Film Commission will co-finance the project.

Branagh and Izzard are both currently causing a stir on Broadway. Izzard was this week nominated for a Tony award for his role in A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg, while Branagh is directing the Morecambe and Wise homage The Play What I Wrote.

Published: 15 May 2003