Michael Sheen, Anna Lundberg & Matt Lucas Attached To Kids Animated Series ‘Ivy Newt’
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Sheen (Good Omens), Anna Lundberg (Staged) and Matt Lucas (Wonka) are attached to star in kids animated TV series Ivy Newt for new UK outfit The Caretakers Company.
Written by prolific Irish children’s author Derek Keilty and illustrated by Magda Boll, the fantasy series follows the adventures of intrepid young witch, Ivy Newt, and her faithful shapeshifting companion, Tom, in a magical land called Miracula. The books have been published in 10 countries, with the first two instalments released in U.S. in late 2025.
The Caretakers Company, a new film, TV and animation production label from former Sony International executive Joshua Friedman, has secured the rights to the young reader novella series. Friedman previously helped shepherd films for Sony International including Slaughterhouse Rulez, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Greed. He was also an exec producer on Oscar and BAFTA-shortlisted short The One Note Man, narrated by Ian McKellen.
Writer-director Daisy Aitkens, who made her directorial debut with You, Me and Him, will co-create and showrun after developing projects at Sky and the BBC. Joshua Friedman will co-create and executive-produce.
Husband and wife duo Sheen and Lundberg, who have previously collaborated on series Staged and movie The Last Train To Christmas, will voice Ivy’s off-kilter parents, while Lucas will portray baddie Clawdelia Thorn.
Friedman commented: “The aim is to present our heroes with seemingly insurmountable odds and resolve them with wit, grit, and whimsy. Today’s kids are growing up faster and earlier than ever, having to deal with some pretty tough stuff. So, with the help of young Ivy Newt, viewers will learn that they too can tackle anything life throws their way.”
“We love Ivy and all that she stands for. Young girls and boys, having graduated from the Peppas and Blueys of the world, want a new hero, and in a sea of witchy IP, Ivy Newt stands out, swooping up young audiences by the broomstick”, said Aitkens.
Michael Sheen is represented by CAA; Matt Lucas by YMU; Daisy Aitkens by Independent; Anna Lundberg by Roxane Vacca; and Joshua Friedman by Avatar Entertainment.
