Ncuti Gatwa Joins Animated Musical 'Bad Fairies' Set for 2027 Release

Ncuti Gatwa, the rising star celebrated for his role in Sex Education and recent performances in Doctor Who and Barbie, is set to star in the animated musical comedy Bad Fairies, alongside Cynthia Erivo. This project is being developed by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in collaboration with Locksmith Animation.

Currently underway in London, Bad Fairies is the inaugural film from the newly established first-look deal between Warner Bros. and Locksmith Animation. The movie is scheduled for release on May 21, 2027, promising to reimagine the fairy-tale genre.

A Star on the Rise

Gatwa boasts a versatile career, having garnered accolades for his role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education as well as his ventures in Doctor Who. His talent extends to stage performances, including The Importance of Being Earnest and Born With Teeth. His pairing with Broadway star Cynthia Erivo in Bad Fairies showcases yet another creative endeavor.

What to Expect from Bad Fairies

Bad Fairies upends classic fairy tales, centering on a band of rebellious fairies breaking the rules of their magical surroundings. The film is expected to be a "chaotic and delightfully subversive" musical experience brimming with humor and emotion.

Creative Powerhouses Behind the Scenes

Megan Nicole Dong, known for Centaurworld, directs the film alongside co-director Olivier Staphylas, a seasoned DreamWorks animator. The script comes from Deborah Frances-White, known for its wit and emotional depth.

Music plays a central role in the film. The soundtrack features contributions from the Tony Award-winning duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, authors of Six: The Musical, while Isabella “Machine” Summers of Florence + The Machine is responsible for the score. Ian Eisendrath, recognized for KPop Demon Hunters, serves as the executive music producer.

A Top-Tier Production Team

Featuring a talented crew, Bad Fairies includes producer Carolyn Soper, editor Sim Evan-Jones, and cinematographer James C.J. Williams. Character design is helmed by Uwe Heidschöetter, and narrative development is led by Rikke Asbjoern and Chris Garbutt. Production design is overseen by Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn and Mike Redman, with DNEG Animation handling the digital animation and visual effects.

A Promising New Chapter

This film marks the first theatrical release in the partnership between Warner Bros. and Locksmith Animation. With an innovative blend of Broadway talent, state-of-the-art animation, and a plot that upends fairy tales, Bad Fairies is shaping into a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.

Represented by Curtis Brown, UTA, Status PR UK, and Ziffren Brittenham LLP, Ncuti Gatwa is building an impressive career, and his involvement in Bad Fairies further solidifies his reputation as a dynamic talent in the entertainment landscape.