The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, a book by famed British novelist, illustrator, and artist Charlie Mackesy, was published in 2019. The New York Times, Washington Post, and other newspapers have given the book high marks since its publication. It has sold over a million copies, shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, and won the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year award. For some time, rumours about an adaptation have been circulating, and lately, Variety reported that Apple had acquired the rights to the animated short film version of the novel. A curious kid, a hungry mole, a watchful fox, and a wise horse are the four main characters of the novel, who travel together through a vast landscape in search of a place the boy may call home. Readers are given a tale of “vulnerability, generosity, hope, friendship, and love” as the quad shares its concerns and discoveries with one another.
Mackesy has received praise for writing a book that appeals to readers of all ages and offers universal lessons that readers may take away and apply to their own life.
Variety announced the voice cast for the animated short along with the purchase. The mole, fox, and the horse will be played by Tom Hollander (Feud), Idris Elba (Three Thousand Years of Longing), and Gabriel Byrne. At this time, it is unknown who will voice the young boy. But with the adaption, the present triumvirate provides intriguing things to anticipate.
Viewers may relax knowing they’re in the short video because they’ve all done voiceover work before. The short film will make its premiere this Christmas on Apple TV+, the streaming service that brought you critically acclaimed works like Ted Lasso and CODA. Apple Original Films now owns international rights. Producing alongside Cara Speller, Matthew Freud, and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot is J.J. Abrams (Lost, Star Trek). Isobel Waller-Bridge wrote the soundtrack, and executive producers Jony Ive and Woody Harrelson.
Mackesy said in a statement to Variety, “With the help of my wonderfully talented animation team, it has been a beautiful experience to create the movie “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.” It’s incredibly touching to think that the narrative would be shown around Christmas; I never imagined it would happen. I sincerely hope it offers some happiness, humour, and solace.”
Speller furthered “A real high point of the past few challenging years has been the gathering of some of the best artists and animators from all around the world to exhibit Charlie’s lovely characters. For those who already like the book, we hope we’ve done it justice, and for everyone else, we hope you’ll find some warmth and solace here.”
On December 25, Apple TV+ will launch a new episode of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. It will be available on BBC One and Player for UK audiences.