John Boyega, More Lead BBC-Netflix 'Watership Down' Series

Anyone familiar with Richard Adams’ Watership Down can attest to its grim nature, but an upcoming animated miniseries for The BBC and Netflix at least has a bright outlook on its cast. Not only can Star Wars lead John Boyega and several X-Men count themselves among the new voices, so too can Gemma Arterton and more.

Per Variety, the four-part animated adaptation of the 1972 novel will be completed next year, premiering on BBC-One in the U.K., and internationally on Netflix. For those unfamiliar, Watership Down follows a band of rabbits attempting to find safe haven after the destruction of their home, contending with man, predators and fellow rabbits all alike.

The series will star McAvoy as Hazel, X-Men co-star Nicholas Hoult as Fiver, Ben Kingsley as General Woundwort, Boyega as Bigwig, Gemma Arterton as Clover, Miles Jupp as Blackberry, Freddie Fox as Captain Holly, Olivia Colman as Strawberry, and Anne-Marie Duff as Hyzenthlay. Noam Murro will direct, while Fantastic Mr. Fox alum Pete Dodd will lead the CG animation team.

Says the BBC:

Before there was Harry Potter there was Watership Down, Richard Adams’ novel is one of the most successful books of all time and one of the biggest-selling books in history. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to bring a modern classic to a mainstream BBC One audience with such an incredible roster of actors alongside the talented team overseeing the animation. This fantastic take on the novel will unite the whole family, and bring this classic story to a new generation.

No official premiere has been given, but check out the previous Watership Down adaptation below, and stay tuned for the latest.