Animated Fantasy ‘The Turning Door’ Stars Vikander & Dornan

A highly anticipated animated fantasy epic, “The Turning Door,” is gathering significant attention with its announcement of a stellar voice cast. Featuring the talents of Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy, and Gillian Anderson, the film is poised to be a notable entry in the independent animation landscape. This project, helmed by filmmaker and VFX supervisor Nicholas Ashe Bateman, is set to be a key offering at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM), with Mister Smith Entertainment handling international sales and 2AM managing North American sales.

A Star-Studded Voice Ensemble for ‘The Turning Door’

The animated fantasy feature “The Turning Door” boasts an impressive roster of acclaimed actors lending their voices to its characters. Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, known for her roles in “The Danish Girl” and “Firebrand,” leads the ensemble. She is joined by Jamie Dornan, recognized for his performances in films like “Belfast.” Jodie Turner-Smith, who has appeared in projects such as “Tron: Ares,” also contributes her vocal talents. Veteran actor Bill Nighy, celebrated for his work in “Living,” and Emmy winner Gillian Anderson, widely acclaimed for “Sex Education,” complete this formidable quintet of voice actors. This collection of talent suggests a rich and nuanced vocal performance for the film’s characters.

Unveiling the Fantastical World of ‘The Turning Door’

“The Turning Door” introduces audiences to a magical realm through the eyes of a young girl named Ariadlyn. The narrative begins when Ariadlyn, sent to bed amidst a lively party, discovers an ornate wooden box in her parents’ room. This discovery opens a portal to “The Turning,” a fantastical world. To rescue her parents, who become frozen in the real world, Ariadlyn embarks on a quest to find a sorceress and her crystal vial. Her journey through “The Turning” promises encounters with a diverse array of creatures, including giants, whales, armies, shapeshifters, and acrobatic monkeys. The film explores themes of childhood wonder and the complexities of growing up, interwoven with a grand adventure.

The Visionary Behind the Animation: Nicholas Ashe Bateman

The creative force behind “The Turning Door” is Nicholas Ashe Bateman, who serves as both writer and director. This marks Bateman’s second feature film, following his critically acclaimed 2020 sci-fi fantasy, “The Wanting Mare.” Bateman is also the founder of Maere Studios, an award-winning VFX and animation studio that has contributed to visual effects for significant films such as “The Green Knight,” “Origin,” and “Hocus Pocus 2.” His extensive background in visual effects and animation suggests a film with a distinctive visual style and innovative storytelling. Bateman has shared that the world of “The Turning Door” has been a part of him since childhood, drawing inspiration from classic fantasies like “Neverland” and “Wonderland.” He emphasizes a commitment to independent animation made by passionate artists, specifically avoiding generative AI in its creation.

Production and Market Presence at AFM

Production for “The Turning Door” is currently underway, with Christine D’Souza Gelb of 2AM, known for “Past Lives,” producing alongside Bateman and Hunter Hall of Maere Studios. The film will also feature original music and songs crafted by People Museum’s Claire Givens and Bateman himself, adding another layer of artistic depth to the project. The film is making a significant splash at the American Film Market (AFM), where Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales and plans to introduce footage to potential buyers. 2AM is concurrently managing North American sales. This strategic market presence highlights the confidence of the production and sales teams in the film’s appeal and commercial viability, positioning it as a key title for distributors looking for high-quality animated content.

Conclusion

“The Turning Door” is shaping up to be an intriguing animated fantasy, blending a compelling narrative with a distinguished voice cast and the unique vision of Nicholas Ashe Bateman. With Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy, and Gillian Anderson onboard, the film carries significant prestige. As it heads to the AFM, the project aims to captivate buyers and eventually, a global audience, with its promise of a magical journey and a heartfelt exploration of growth.