Actress Rosamund Pike (‘Gone Girl’, ‘The World’s End’) will headline the new relaunch of ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!,’ the classic Gerry and Sylvia Anderson marionette action series from the 60s. Pike will portray the fabulous Lady Penelope with original voice actor David Graham reprising his role as her chauffeur Parker.
The original ‘Thunderbirds’ series aired in 1965-66 and has continued in reruns ever since. A theatrical film ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’, however flopped at the box office. Similarly, a live action remake starring Bill Paxton (‘Aliens,’ ‘The Colony’), Sophia Myles (‘Transformers: Age of Extinction,’ ‘Doctor Who’) and Vanessa Hudgens (‘High School Musical,’ ‘Sucker Punch’) and directed by Jonathan Frakes (‘Star Trek: The Next Generation‘) bombed in 2004. The original ‘Thunderbirds’ was popular enough to inspire the follow-up series ‘Captain Scarlet and the Mysterions’.
Rather than marionettes, however, the new series will employ CGI and miniature sets. It will debut on ITV in 2015.
In addition to Pike and Graham, here is the additional voice cast:
Unstoppable inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker) whilst Tracy brothers Gordon and John are both played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones). Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon) has been cast as both the youngest and oldest Tracy brothers Alan and Scott. The fifth Tracy brother, Virgil, will be played by David Menkin. Tracy Island matriarch Grandma Tracy is voiced by Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and master villain The Hood played by Andres Williams (M.I. High, Foyle’s War). Plus Thunderbirds Are Go! will feature new characters including Kayo, the Tracy brothers’ friend and fellow island resident, who will be played by Angel Coulby (Merlin, Dancing on the Edge) and Colonel Casey voiced by Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, Doctor Who)
Executive Producer Giles Ridge stated “Each member of the cast has brought a brilliantly fresh and unique approach to these wonderful characters. I can’t think of anyone better than Rosamund to bring back to life the fabulous Lady Penelope and we are honored that David Graham has joined the cast to revisit his role as Parker.”
Pike herself spoke about portraying her iconic character. “I’m very excited to bring Lady Penelope’s wry wit and taste for adventure to a new generation. Exploring the scenes with David Graham has been an absolute delight. The scripts are very modern, very fresh and very funny. We’re all eagerly anticipating our next stint in the recording studio!”
Graham also seems enthusiastic about reprising his role. “I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series of Thunderbirds Are Go!and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast. My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with M’Lady. Cheerio!”
Thunderbirds Are Go!’ is executive produced by Estelle Hughes for ITV Studios, Giles Ridge for ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) and Richard Taylor and Andrew Smith for Pukeko Pictures.
Source ComingSoon
