The animation wing of Sony Pictures and Aardman Animation are collaborating on a 3D CG-animated film titled Arthur Christmas. Directed by Sarah Smith from a screenplay by Smith and Peter Baynham, a number of Brits will lend their voices to the project. Among the names mentioned by Variety are James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Ashley Jensen.
Set on Christmas night, the film cents on Santa’s son Arthur, who has to help save Christmas. McAvoy voices Arthur, while Laurie voices Arthur’s older brother Steve, who is the heir to the Christmas throne.
Jim Broadbent provides the voice of Santa.
Sony Pictures plans to release Arthur Christmas on November 23, 2011.
