Comic to star as Mole in Wind In The Willows

Ricky Gervais is to voice Mole in a new film version of The Wind in the Willows.

The new film will be a mix of live action and animatronics, with pre-production starting in New Zealand this autumn with Weta, the effects company who brought Peter Jackson’s King Kong and Lord of the Rings series to life.

The script is described as a ‘bold new interpretation of the beloved classic by Kenneth Grahame’ in which Mole, Badger, Rat and Toad join forces to save their land.

Director Ray Griggs said: ‘It’s a natural fit to have an iconic British actor star in an iconic British tale. I had Ricky in mind for this role from the inception of this project and am very excited to welcome him aboard the film.

‘He brings the necessary authenticity to The Wind in the Willows, a film project that has been a passion of mine for many years and a project I know Ricky is very passionate about as well.’

The rest of the cast has not yet been announced, although news is expected in the coming weeks. The following teaser trailer was unveiled at the Comic-Con convention in San Diego last summer.

Gervais is also hosting the 68th Annual Golden Globe awards in Los Angeles later this month, as well as making guest appearances as himself in the new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Simpsons. 

Published: 6 Jan 2011