Jenny Agutter returning for 'The Railway Children' sequel, 51 years after the original
Beloved 1970 film The Railway Children is getting a sequel, 51 years on, from the studio behind Paddington 2 and The Secret Garden.
Studiocanal has announced that production is underway on The Railway Children Return with original star Jenny Agutter reprising her role of Bobbie Waterbury, alongside a new generation of young stars. It will arrive in cinemas in April, 2022.
The story will be set during WW2 and will follow a group of children, evacuated to the Yorkshire countryside, who discover a young soldier who is also far from home.
All aboard! 🚂
We're delighted to announce cameras are rolling on The Railway Children Return, a sequel to one of the most beloved British family films of all time!
(Pictured - credit: Studiocanal / The Railway Children 1970) pic.twitter.com/NsV295nStU— StudiocanalUK (@StudiocanalUK) May 6, 2021
Jenny Agutter resumes her role from the original film and @Sheridansmith1, Tom Courtenay & a new generation of railway children will also star. Coming to UK cinemas April 1st 2022.
— StudiocanalUK (@StudiocanalUK) May 6, 2021
The film is also set to star Sheridan Smith and Tom Courtenay. It's not yet been confirmed if any of the other original stars — including Bernard Cribbins — will appear.
Read more: How 2020's The Secret Garden updates the story
The Railway Children is based a children's book, written by Edith Nesbit, first published in book form in 1906. It tells the story of a young family who move from London to Three Chimneys in Yorkshire after the father accused of being a spy and imprisoned. It follows the children's adventures on the railway near their home, and their friendship with the local station porter.
It has been adapted a number of times for stage and screen but the 1970 film remains the most beloved.
Written by Bafta-winner Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, Sky One's Brassic, Netflix's Safe and The Stranger) and Produced by Bafta-winner Jemma Rodgers for Studiocanal, The Railway Children Return is directed by Bafta-winner Morgan Matthews (X+Y).
It will be shooting in key locations from the original film, including Oakworth Station, Haworth, and The Bronte Parsonage. The iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway from the original film will also feature.
Here's a full synopsis: Inspired by one of the most beloved British family films of all time, THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN is an enchanting adventure for a new generation bringing a contemporary sensibility to a classic story and combining British cast with stunning locations.
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN will take audiences on an exciting and heart-warming journey, in which a group of children are evacuated to a Yorkshire village during World War 2, where they encounter a young soldier, who like them, is far away from home…
The Railway Children Return will open in cinemas on 1 April, 2022.
Watch: Paddington 2 dethrones Citizen Kane
