The search is on to find the perfect pony to play the leading role of Merrylegs in a film based on the well-loved Thelwell Ponies cartoons.
Merrylegs the Movie will be the first instalment of a planned franchise about Willowbrook Riding Stables in Snowdonia, Wales, and follows Penny and Merrylegs, a timid pony who must overcome his greatest fears to find his own place in the world.
A young actress is also being sought to play the role of Penny Jones, a character inspired by the daughter of the late cartoonist Norman Thelwell, who created the Thelwell Ponies in the 1950s.
Penny said: “I very much look forward to seeing Dad’s ponies coming to life on screen so that a new generation can discover the iconic Thelwell pony — and their parents can rediscover characters they knew from his books when they were children.”
The film is being made by UK independent film production company Blenheim Films and will be directed by acclaimed director, producer, and writer Candida Brady (Trashed, Urban and The Shed Crew, Muse).
“This is a dream come to true to bring the much-loved artist Norman Thelwell’s legacy to the big screen,” said Candida.
“These iconic characters are universally treasured and we’ll be meticulous with the evolution of the ponies working with the very best in the field of creature animation to maintain Thelwell’s unique style, wonderful humour, and environmental spirit that his collection of cartoons represented.
“We can’t wait to introduce new audiences to the laughter, landscapes, and hilarious antics of Penny and the mischievous ponies.”
The film is intended for a 2023 release to mark and celebrate Norman Thelwell’s centenary, one of the 20th century’s most beloved and well-known British children’s authors. His collection of 34 books continue to sell millions of copies worldwide, translated into a variety of languages and remains one of the only British heritage family franchises fully unexploited for film.
The cartoonist’s son, David Thelwell, added: “Blenheim Films are also developing a television series about my father’s life and work based on his autobiographies which, just like his cartoons, were extremely popular and we still have many of the fan letters sent to him at the time.
“He would have been thrilled that his life and work will be turned into tv programmes and films and so are we.”
Anyone interested in the roles should contact Blenheim Films.
