Ricky Gervais to Voice Mole in WETA's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

It was revealed last year that Peter Jackson's effects house WETA was developing an updated CGI animated version of the classic childrens novel The Wind in the Willows

The film is being directed by Ray Griggs, off of a script written by Bill Marshall. WETA's Richard Taylor is handling the films effects. He is the same guy that was behind the effects in films such as The Lord of the Rings, District 9, King Kong, and several other movies. 

It's been reported that Ricky Gervais has joined the voice cast of the film, and is set to play the character Mole. Variety reports that the film will start shooting this year, and that the rest of the cast will be announced shortly. 

There's no doubt this movie is going to look great. The films will be shot using a mixture of animatronics and CGI effects. The film has a budget of $30 million dollars, and if you think that's small just keep in mind that District 9 was made for that same amount and it ended up being pretty incredible. 

I grew up on this book and I'm excited to see how this movie turns out.

Here's the synopsis for the film:

When Mole ventures out of his lonely home for the first time, he finds a world of new friendships, gentle wonders and breathless adventure waiting for him in the land of the Willows. From the joys of boating on the River, to Mr. Toad's unbelievable antics at Toad Hall... from the dark terrors of the Wild Wood and beyond, to the forbidden land of the Humans... Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad will soon find that they must join forces, in a quest to save their homes from a sinister plot that could cost them their lives - and that could indeed bring about the destruction of the Willows itself.

At its heart, The Wind in the Willows is a story of friendship and the joys of home. Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad have each come to a different pass in their lives, when we meet them in our story... each of them either craving adventure or shunning it, either satisfied with their home lives, or longing for travel and excitement. When the land of the Willows is threatened with extinction - in a scheme that hinges on Mr. Toad's insatiable desire for bigger and faster thrills - these four friends will find themselves tested as never before, fighting side-by-side in a battle for their very lives... only to realize in the end that the greatest joy in Life is to be found with a fine home and good friends.

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