GEM’S NO FUNNY BUNNY
GEMMA Arterton insists it’s fine if Watership Down scares kids this Christmas.
The Hollywood actress voices bunny Clover in a new BBC adaptation of the story.
She said: “I think in a way it is supposed to frighten people. On one level it’s a harrowing wake-up call to get us to look at what we are doing to our environment and our society.
“Without there being those elements,
it wouldn’t have the impact that it has. I remember watching the 1978 film as a kid and thinking it would be a lovely bunny rabbit film – and it’s not.
“That’s what stays with you. It’s a very epic, beautiful story – but it’s filled with tragedy as well. That’s why it caters for so many. You can read Watership Down as a kid or as an adult and it will impact you at different points in your life for certain reasons.” BBC bosses secured a string of big names for Watership Down, which is at the heart of the Christmas schedules.
Other voices in the new version include former Doctor Who Peter Capaldi, James McAvoy, John Boyega and Olivia Colman.
The first part is on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.