Superworm cast revealed for BBC One Christmas 2021 animation

The voice cast of BBC One’s 2021 Christmas animation Superworm has been revealed.

Following the success of Zog and the Flying Doctors, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story Superworm is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for Christmas 2021.

The voice cast will be led by Oscar-winner Olivia Colman as narrator and Emmy nominee Matt Smith playing the hero, Superworm.

They are joined by Patricia Allison as Butterfly and Rob Brydon as the Crow.

Superworm cast

The full voice cast for BBC One’s Superworm is:

Olivia Colman plays Narrator
Matt Smith plays Superworm
Patricia Allison plays Butterfly
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith plays Wizard Lizard

Rob Brydon plays The Crow
Cariad Lloyd plays Mama Toad
Paul Thornley plays Papa Toad & Beetle
Lizzie Waterworth-Santo plays Spider

A teaser for the special animation film shares: “Superworm is a hero with a difference. Super-long and super-strong, he’s always on hand to help out all the other animals and insects – whether he’s saving baby toad from an accident, rescuing beetle from falling down a well, or even good-naturedly offering himself up as a skipping rope for some bored bees.

“Superworm and his best friend Butterfly make a great team but Superworm too often takes all the credit. When the wicked Wizard Lizard hears about Superworm’s special skills, he sends his servant Crow to kidnap Superworm. Despite everything, with her friend in deep trouble, Butterfly comes to the rescue, convincing the other creatures to help her with a daring plan…”

Superworm airs on Christmas Day (Saturday, 25 December) at 2:30PM on BBC One and iPlayer.

Olivia Colman said today: “This is such a lovely project to be involved with. When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.”

Matt Smith added: “I’m delighted to play the part of Superworm! And join such a fabulous cast of actors, artists and storytellers. What fun to be part of the BBC’s Christmas line up in this great children’s tale.”

Patricia Allison commented: “The Magic Light animations are such an important part of the Christmas TV schedule, I’m excited to become part of that tradition. Butterfly is a very determined character, and a loyal friend, so I’m looking forward to recording a lot.”

Rob Brydon said: “This will be my ninth appearance in a Donaldson/ Scheffler adaptation. Working on these Magic Light productions is always a delight and deciding how to voice characters is such fun. I love watching them on TV at Christmas – a lovely way to round off my year.”

Donaldson and Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo, collaborated once again on this animated half hour which will be made by the multi-Oscar nominated company Magic Light Pictures.

You can watch 2020’s animation Zog and the Flying Doctors on BBC iPlayer here.

Picture: BBC