The classic children’s tale by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit, has gotten at least two screen adaptations before, including the 2009 film starring Jane Seymour. There’s a new live-action/animated hybrid version coming our way this Thanksgiving, however, courtesy of Apple TV+.
Today the streaming platform released a trailer for their forty-minute special based on the original story and gives us a glimpse of the live-action and at least two styles of animation used in it. It also seems like it’s a looser adaptation than other renditions, and has the following logline:
When seven-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic.
The toy, of course, is the much-loved velveteen rabbit. And the tale that follows looks like it’s doing its best to make your eyes tear up, as we see said rabbit with William as they go off on adventures that emphasize the purity of a child’s love. A perfect tear-jerker for the holiday season! It also features Helena Bonham Carter as the voice of “Wise Horse,” so it has that going for it as well.
In addition to Bonham Carter, the special stars Phoenix Laroche as “William” and includes the voices of Alex Lawther (Andor) as “the Velveteen Rabbit,” Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as “Playroom Fairy,” Bethany Antonia (House of the Dragon) as “Female Rabbit,” Lois Chimimba as “Car,” Paterson Joseph as “King,” Clive Rowe as “Lion,” Nathaniel Parkeras “Male Rabbit,” Tilly Vosburgh as “Momo.” Samantha Colley and Leonard Buckley are also in the special playing William’s parents.
The Velveteen Rabbit premieres on Apple TV+ on November 22, 2024.
Here’s a poster for the special, for your enjoyment:
