Hoho Entertainment and Wild Child Animation are set to bring a beloved British classic to the big screen. Their CG-animated adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows is moving forward with the support of Screen Scotland, marking an exciting expansion for both studios.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Tale
The adaptation will stay true to the heart of the original novel, featuring cherished characters like Toad, Mole, Badger, and Ratty. However, the film will introduce new female characters—Hedge, Tinker, Heron, and Adder—adding fresh perspectives to the classic story.
Writing duo Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett-Jones, known as The Black Sheep, are set to craft the screenplay. Their previous experience with animated storytelling ensures a thoughtful and engaging script.
Production Timeline and Creative Team
The project is still in its early stages, with producers actively seeking a director. The financing phase will run from May to September, with production slated to begin in October 2025. If all goes according to plan, the film will be ready for release in 2027.
Animation writer-director-producer Robert Chandler has joined the project as a consultant, bringing additional expertise to the creative team.
A History of Collaboration
Hoho Entertainment and Wild Child Animation have a proven track record together. They previously teamed up for Toad & Friends, an animated series inspired by The Wind In The Willows. The show debuted on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Boomerang channel in the UK in summer 2024 and is set to launch on Boomerang and Max in the US this year.
“The Wind In The Willows may have its roots in the 20th century, but as audiences for Toad & Friends have proved, its values of community, citizenship, and kindness are as relevant today as they’ve ever been,” said Oliver Ellis, joint MD at Hoho Entertainment.
Expanding Global Reach
As excitement builds for the feature film, international partnerships are also taking shape. Korean rights company Asiana Licensing has acquired TV and licensing distribution rights in Korea for Toad & Friends, signaling global interest in the franchise.
Sueann Rochester, CEO of Wild Child Animation, sees this feature film as a natural progression for the studio. “Feature film production is a natural next step as the studio expands its creative scope,” she stated.
