This week Kate DiCamillo’s book Flora & Ulysses: The Illustrated Adventures. Directed by Lena Khan, the film is one of the first being made directly for Disney + streaming service. This service is officially launching November 12.
Here’s a brief synopsis for folks who haven’t had a chance to read the Newberry award-winning book:
“Flora & Ulysses” tells the story of 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, who saves a squirrel she names Ulysses only to have its unique superhero powers wreak havoc in a series of humorous, antic-filled adventures that ultimately change Flora’s life—and her outlook—forever.
Matilda Lawler, currently on Broadway in The Ferryman, will play the role of Flora. Alyson Hannigan will play Flora’s romance-writer mother, while Ben Scwartz will play her estranged father George. Danny Pudi will play Miller, an overly focused animal control officer and Benjamin Evans Ainsworth plays Flora’s friend Willian.
Matilda Lawler steps into the role of Flora, marking her film debut. She currently stars on Broadway as Honor Carney in Jez Butterworth’s Tony® Award–winning play “The Ferryman,” directed by Sam Mendes. Alyson Hannigan (“How I Met Your Mother,” “American Pie”) plays Flora’s romance-writer mother, Phyllis, and Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation,” “Modern Family”) plays the role of her world-weary, estranged father, George. Newcomer Benjamin Evans Ainsworth plays the role of William, Flora’s newfound, but annoying, friend, and Danny Pudi (“Community,” “The Tiger Hunter”) joins the cast as Miller, an overly zealous animal control officer.
