David Farnor | On 28, Jun 2023

Moonage Pictures (The Pursuit of Love) and Nicolas Winding Refn are making a new series based on The Famous Five for the BBC.

A co-production with ZDF in Germany, the series will comprise three 90-minute outings. It will follow five daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger, and astounding secrets in an “unforgettable odyssey that evokes the power of camaraderie between the fearless young heroes”.

Nicolas Winding Refn, creator and executive producer, says: “All my life I’ve fought vigorously to remain a child with a lust for adventure. By reimagining The Famous Five, I am preserving that notion by bringing these iconic stories to life for a progressive new audience, instilling the undefinable allure and enchantment of childhood for current and future generations to come.”

Will Gould, co-founder of Moonage Pictures, adds: “Moonage Pictures was created to provide the right creative environment to explore ideas without limitation and this provides us with exactly that opportunity. In the hands of Nicolas and Matthew this Famous Five will be a modern, timely and irreverent action series with adventure at its heart.”

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education, comments: “Bringing these books to life with a new reimagining of The Famous Five is a real treat for BBC audiences and a celebration of British heritage. These stories are loved around the world and bringing families together is a key part of our strategy so we hope it introduces a new generation of viewers to these wonderful adventures.”

The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. The commissioning editors of ZDF will be Frank Seyberth and Katharina Kremling.

It will be directed by Tim Kirkby. Episode one is written by Matthew Read, episode two is written by Priya K Dosanjh, with episode three being written by Matthew Bouch and Matthew Read.

Karen Lawler, Head of Licensed Content for Hachette Children’s Group, owners of Enid Blyton Entertainment, says: “We are delighted that Moonage Pictures will be bringing all the thrills, charm and warmth of The Famous Five to television.”

Filming is already underway across the South West of the UK.

Add to Watchlist