Cast announced for We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

The voice cast has been announced for Channel 4’s animation of Michael Rosen‘s bedtime book, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt.

The half hour film, set to air this Christmas, stars Olivia Colman (The Night Manager), Pam Ferris (Call the Midwife) and Mark Williams (Harry Potter) as the voices of Mum, Grandma and Dad respectively. Michael Rosen, who wrote the best-selling book, will play the Bear.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt follows the intrepid adventures of siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog, who decide one day to go on an adventure in search of bears.

Coming up against a host of obstacles the family ventures through whirling snowstorms, thick oozing mud and dark forests on their ambitious quest. But when Rosie and Rufus become detached from the rest of the party it looks like bear-hunting might not be such fun after all…

Olivia Colman, who plays Mum, said: ‘What appealed to me about the story is the bond the family have – they care for, and look after, each other. Another wonderful aspect of the story is that it’s kids enjoying a natural adventure with their imaginations, fresh air and the wilderness. I love that they commit to their adventure…I would like to go with them!”

Piers Wenger, Head of Drama for Channel 4 said: “We’re delighted to welcome Olivia, Mark and Pam on board this fantastic family adventure, and Michael playing the bear is an inspired touch. It’s a brilliant cast for a brilliant, classic story; I can’t wait for Christmas.”

Camilla Deakin, producer for Lupus Films, said: “We are thrilled to have attracted the services of such a high-calibre cast to bring our grown-up characters to life. Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris and Mark Williams are wonderful actors with highly distinctive styles and we’re delighted that they are joining us for this timeless adventure, along with Michael Rosen who makes a very convincing bear!””

We’re Going On a Bear Hunt is a Lupus Films Production in association with Bear Hunt Films, Walker Productions and Herrick Entertainment. The animation is illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and produced by the makers of the hugely-popular The Snowman and The Snowdog. Joanna Harrison and Robin Shaw are co-directors.