Mia Wasikowska will star in a feature film adaptation of the classic, often violent puppet show Punch and Judy. The announcement of Judy and Punch was made this week.
Directed by actor-cum-writer/director Mirrah Foulkes, and produced by Nash Edgerton and Michele Bennett, along with hotshot executive producer Vincent Landay (Her, Being John Malkovich) the film has attracted funding from VICE Media and Screen Australia.
In a media release, the story has been described as follows:
“Set in the fictional town of Seaside, it follows two puppeteers – the vain but charismatic Punch and his resilient and talented wife Judy – as they attempt to resurrect their show as a means of escaping their decrepit town.”
Foulkes has made a string of successful short films (Dumpy Goes to the Big Smoke, Florence Has Left the Building and Trespass) which have played at international festivals such as Toronto International Film Festival, London Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival.
The signing of Wasikowska in the lead gives the film some serious star power. The Australian-Polish actor recently starred as Alice in Alice Through the Looking Glass, and as Edith in director Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak.
Nash Edgerton is currently putting the finishing touches on his second feature film, Gringo, which stars Charlize Theron, David Oyewolo and his brother Joel. According to he and Bennett, “Mirrah has written a brilliantly entertaining and highly original script, and has such a unique vision as a director.”
Danny Gabai, from VICE Media, says: “Mirrah Foulkes is one of the most original new voices in cinema we’ve seen — someone who is able to find the perfect balance of character and chaos, emotion and humour.”
