'The Canterville Ghost' Will Spook Cinemas This Halloween

Literary adaptations are not uncommon in animation. Some books such as The Christmas Carol have been adapted multiple times. But one literary giant whose work has rarely been touched is Oscar Wilde. Adaptations of his work are limited to a handful of shorts, including the UK's Channel 4's Wilde Tales. Joining them is The Canterville Ghost, a new British animated feature based on Wilde's short story of the same name.

Set as the nineteenth century gives way to the twentieth and scientific innovation presents new ways to travel the world, a modern American family move into their newly purchased house in England, Canterville House. All seems well until they discover that Canterville House is haunted. Sir Simon de Canterville  has been successfully haunting the grounds of the house for over 300 years, but he might have met his match with the house's new residents.

The Canterville Ghost has an impressive voice cast of well known British actors led by Stephen Fry (in the titular role) and Hugh Laurie (House), reuniting the erstwhile double act. It also stars Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor), Emily Carey (House of the Dragon), David Harewood (Supergirl), Meera Syal (Dr. Strange), Miranda Hart (Spy), Toby Jones (Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter films).

The film was directed by Kim Burdon (Stressed Eric) and co-directed by director Robert Chandler (The Amazing Maurice), based on a screenplay penned by Giles New and Keiron Self. Robert Chandler and Gina Carter are the producers. It screened as an Official Selection at the Annecy International Film Festival earlier this year.

The Canterville Ghost will be released in cinemas in the US on October 20 2023, from Shout Studios and Blue Fox Entertainment. It will be in cinemas in the UK and Ireland from September 22 via Signature Entertainment. You can check out the trailer, below.