The new “Watership Down” remake is set to arrive on Netflix around the globe (excluding UK) shortly after it finishes airing on BBC in the UK. The film tells the story of a group of rabbits fleeing human violence and the impending destruction of their home and includes the voice talent of James McAvoy, John Boyega, Nicholas Hoult and Olivia Colman. The original animated film scarred many children for life with its graphic depictions of rabbit slaughter although the new BBC/Netflix co-production “will tone down the levels of on-screen violence to make it more appropriate for children” as well as giving female characters more prominent roles.
Beloved novel Watership Down will be reinterpreted into a four-part animated mini-series set to air in 2018. Set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England, this tale of adventure, courage, and survival follows a band of rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, towards a promised land and a more perfect society.
For those in the UK it will air in two 1hr 40min episodes on BBC One on 22nd December at 7pm and 23rd December at 7.30pm. For everyone else in the world it will arrive on Netflix on December 23rd.
You can see the BBC trailer and Netflix Twitter trailer below:
It’s the most epic story of the year and OH YEAH it’s got bunnies. Watership Down arrives December 23 on @netflix. pic.twitter.com/nylV9cWHXe
— NX (@NXOnNetflix) December 19, 2018
Will that include Ireland since we can’t get iPlayer?
Excluding the UK??
Jessica Louise Drayton well it is on BBC 1 in the U.K.
It’s on saturday 22nd at 7pm, BBC 1. U.K.
Wayne McClellan I don’t have tv channels. Just Netflix and prime.
It’s a co-production with the BBC so they have the U.K. rights while Netflix have the rest
Jessica Louise Drayton it’ll be on the bbc iplayer for a little while
Because it is on BBC1, and likely iPlayer after that
Jessica Louise Drayton use a vpn
Jessica Louise Drayton use a vpn
Would have preferred to watch in 4K on Netflix to be honest.
I’m looking forward to playing it on my PS2
Sunday Emma Humphreys!
To traumatise a whole new generation
Nope, still traumatised from the original
Vinnie Cecil Wells
BAN THIS
Is it gonna be more Watered Down than Watership Down? 😀
Patrick J Brown pretty much, less Gore as one article phrased it
Yes – as per the article I linked to…
Thanks, kid’s cryin
Still as sad?
Chelsea Peake
NOPE!
Amy Wilton
Amy Wilton yeah I know what you mean!!
Jayne Le Grice just love the book and the original film so much!!
Pftttt idk
Pftttt idk
Amber Chavez
I saw the trailer and it looks on a par visually with that god-awful Peter Rabbit show. I kept expecting Oddjob to leap out from behind a tree with a machine gun it was so fucking N64 level graphically. To be fair that would make it pretty watchable.
Joanna King
Brenda! Hankies at the ready..
Emma Coates this will break me!! Xx
Lisa McGarry nooooo too sad
Oonagh Smyth can’t watch it!
Only have Netflix no tv channels, so will it ever come on uk Netflix and that goes for RITUAL FILM also ?
The snowflakes are gonna hate it
Zoe Horton
I know… and it’s a no way from me!
Watership Down seriously traumatised me as a child. Definitely no need to see it again or watch a remake!
Emily HW The creators say the violence is toned down to make it more suitable for children and families.
Deanne Coombs
Andy Hall, less so this time, I’ve read that it’s been watered down and is less graphic.
Laura Cross looking forward to it
Chloe Smith Megan Smith
Well that’s pants, I got Netflix specifically because I don’t like the BBC and didn’t want a license anymore.
Andy Buchanan Why’s that pants then? You don’t like the BBC and you won’t be watching Watership Down. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?
Pants that only UK doesn’t get it on Netflix when everywhere else does obviously.
UK gets it on BBC iPlayer
Pay your flipping TV licence!
It should be on UK Netflix too, as the BBC don’t keep things for long.
It should be on UK Netflix too, as the BBC don’t keep things for long.
Beth Rogers x
Pat let dad know.
Going to have to see this I will cry Gemma Whelan
I know it’s been like 20-25 years since I last watched this but I’m not ready to open that box anytime soon.
Chris Penfound
prepare to be scarred for life!
Rebecca Clarke
Lorraine Pollard
Angry war like rabbits.
I think its sad that it is being watered down. The film will always be superior.
Does it have the original bright eyes song by Art Garfunkel?
Matthew Dilly
Finally!!!
Trust the BBC to sanitise one of the best novels ever.
Tissues