Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave Join Animated Fantasy Film ‘The Turning Door’

A trio of Oscar winning actors have been added to the voice cast of upcoming animated family fantasy feature “The Turning Door.” Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Venessa Redgrave have joined the film, written and directed by filmmaker and artist Nicholas Ashe Bateman (“The Wanting Mare”), alongside previously announced Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson. Other new additions to the cast include Swedish composer Anna von Hausswolff and newcomer Pippa Kelly. The cast will perform original songs and music written by Claire Givens (“Mother Mary,” “People Museum”) and Bateman. Popular on Variety Having launched the film ahead of the American Film Market in 2025, Mister Smith Entertainment will continue international sales at the upcoming TIFF market, where they will debut new footage to foreign buyers. In “The Turning Door,” a little girl finds a mysterious box hidden in her parent’s closet. As it grows into an open door, she falls through to another world called The Turning. There, she must embark on a grand adventure of old magic, strange creatures, new lands, alchemy, dreams and songs, all to return home and save her parents. The film is produced by Christine D’Souza of After Hours, Hunter Hall and Bateman of Maere Studios (“The Wanting Mare,” “An Almost Christmas Story”) and Laura Rister for Esme Grace Pictures (“Ferrari,” “The Tale”). Production is currently underway. “After many years of writing and dreaming about making parts for great actors, I am almost unable to express the gratitude, excitement and wonder I have for the profound gift of our cast,” said Bateman. “These are iconic artists. They bring their perspectives; their grand lives and views of the world, their immeasurable talents, towering performances, and a shared desire to make hopeful pictures for young people. Javier, Marion, Anna, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, and our dear heroine Pippa Kelly all possess a true magic which has transformed our epic.” Added Bateman: “It has been the honour of my lifetime to bring these actors — each the greatest of their generation — finally together. These are happy dreams, and the happiest: we get to hear them all sing!” Kharmel Cochrane cast the film. Mister Smith is handling international sales and co-repping domestic rights with After Hours. Bardem is repped by WME, Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, Cotillard by CAA ad Redgrave by Gavin Barker Associates and Arcierei Talent. Von Hausswolf is repped by Outro and Clinton Music, Kelly by Thompson and Borland and Bateman by Houston Costa & Danie Streisand at UTA and Granderson Des Rochers.