The exciting casting news was first revealed by Cynthia Erivo herself during her one-night-only concert, Let Me Sing to You, at the Hollywood Bowl, as reported by Deadline. Erivo, a two-time Grammy winner, is set to lead the film as the character Jayne Staplegun.
Kylie Minogue will lend her distinctive voice to Clowder, described as the Cat Witch, while Jonathan Groff takes on the role of Robin Goodfellow. Catherine Tate rounds out the new additions as the Fairy Gothmother. The announcement significantly raises the profile of the animated feature, which promises a unique blend of music and magic.
Minogue, who was present at Erivo's concert, expressed her enthusiasm for the role. “I’m so excited to be part of Bad Fairies, alongside the incredible Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Groff and such a brilliant cast of voices,” she stated. She added that playing “both a cat and a witch? It’s a little bit magical, a little bit mischievous and a whole lot of fun.”
Bad Fairies is envisioned as an original musical comedy set in contemporary London, following a delightfully subversive gang of fairies as they navigate and disrupt their magical world. The film is slated for a theatrical premiere on May 21, 2027.
In addition to the newly announced talent, the voice cast includes Serrana Su-Ling Bliss as Fei Chang, James Acaster as Stickers, Dee Bradley Baker as Groundbeef, and Ncuti Gatwa as Butterwort.
The creative team behind Bad Fairies is equally impressive. Megan Nicole Dong serves as director, with Olivier Staphylas co-directing. The screenplay is penned by Deborah Frances-White. For the musical elements, Tony-winning duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, known for Six: The Musical, are crafting the original songs. Grammy-nominated Isabella “Machine” Summers from Florence + The Machine is composing the score and contributing to the songs, with Ian Eisendrath serving as executive music producer. This blend of comedic talent and musical prowess sets a high bar for the anticipated animated release.