Domhnall Gleeson as the Creator of "Winnie the Pooh"
Friday, September 30, 2016 at 3:00PM The biopic genre never dies and one of its favorite subthreads is "famous author". Enter Domhnall Gleeson who will portray A.A. Milne in as yet untitled film about the man behind Winnie the Pooh and the Thousand Acre Woods, his wife (Margot Robbie) and their son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston) who would be immortalized in the Winnie the Pooh books. The film just began principal photographer in the UK.
Here's the first photo of the star in character.
More photos, a note from the press release, and comments after the jump...
As the press release puts it:
The UNTITLED A.A. MILNE PROJECT film gives a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children's author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?
That's a potentially interesting less-explored angle for a biopic if the focus is on a boy who becomes famous due to his father's art and how that affects him.
The Fox Searchlight film reunites the director and cinematographer of My Week With Marilyn Simon Curtis and Ben Smithard, and joining them are costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux (who talked to us about her work on Brooklyn recently), and the Oscar nominated hair and makeup designer from The Revenant, Siân Grigg.
These early photos are lovely, don't you think?
P.S. One teensy worry we hold and this isn't meant as a knock against either actor or this film in particular: Domhnall Gleeson (who has six movies scheduled for 2017) and Margot Robbie (coming off an explosive three film year) have both officially entered the danger of zone of 'Cast First. Worry About the Role Later.'
We've seen this with countless actors in the modern era of agency packaging. Once an actor hits a hot streak they're suggested / pushed for literally everything and it generally results in some stinkbombs where the actor in question is just all wrong for the role but they're considered "right" since they're all the rage and therefore how could they be wrong? (The most egregious continuous recent example is probably Chloe Moretz who often is cast in roles that require fragility -- like Carrie and an upcoming The Little Mermaid -- when the actress herself is clearly made of steel and delicate "insecurity" is so far beyond her range, it's living on a different continent altogether)
Reader Comments (13)
So ... Finding Neverland 2.0?
Looking forward to seeing something for Domnhall to do that does not include shouting, which is not his strong suit. That said, his dramatic turns sometimes lean into dull territory--here's hoping he can find the right balance. The costuming and styling seem to suggest that he can--he fits well into the period. Still, I have never been as impressed with him as I was in About Time--effortless charisma and comic timing.
Margot Robbie gives me pause. I like her generally as an actress and think she's done some good work. But she does not seem to fit well into this era--is it the weird platinum hair? I can't put my finger on it but something is screaming "woman in 2016 with a costume on."
Tentatively intrigued.
More like Finding Pooh.
This could either be really heartwarming and sweet, or cloying and over sentimental.
I look forward to seeing him performing the Turing test on the Heffalump.
Hmmm unless there is more to the story this does not sound a very interesting subject for a movie.
We will see what comes of his recent prolific efforts, but this actor (Domhnall Gleeson) is one of the better younger actors.
Oh, boy. The books really are so f-ing hilarious. Remember when they made dry humor for kids and didn't just throw in a few jokes only the "adults" would get? I'm not saying I'm hilarious or anything, but I feel I owe a lot of my sense of humor to Pooh, and maybe Amelia Bedelia. The new book that came out a few years back is also superb. Obviously not by A.A. Milne, but still amazing. Robbie also gives me pause, but maybe it's a small enough roll as not to matter.
I really like Domnhall, and his work in The Revenant showed a different side that intrigued me. He's one of those actors who thrive in period costume. This has promise.
Image-wise, I like it. Clothes, scenery, hair... But I don't know if I care.
Ugh - could that still of 'Milne' and 'his wife' shinily staring at their imaginary Oscars on an impeccably key-lit summer's evening look any more lifeless?
I like Robbie but here she screams 'face of Lancome dressed up in period chic for an awards campaign'.
Domnhall Gleason's one face expression I feel even less warmly towards.
It's the Hundred Acre Woods...
Mary -- UGH. You're totally right. I am ashamed of my lack of childhood recall right now because I love me some Winnie the Pooh.