Simon Callow joins the cast of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2

Shakespeare in Love actor Simon Callow has been cast in the sequel to the small-budget slasher hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.

Stage and screen star Callow, who has also appeared in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “The Witcher,” among others, will play a character named Cavendish, described by the filmmakers as “a central figure with a dark look in the past somehow.” associated with Christopher Robin.”

“Cavendish’s tragic life, marked by alcoholism, violence and regret, adds not only significant depth but also revelation to the story,” say the producers diversity.

diversity He knows Callow was approached through his agents and because he liked the character, he agreed to sign on for the role.

“Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” premiered earlier this year and quickly became a smash hit, grossing nearly $5 million on a budget of less than $100,000.

The film was directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, who will direct the second part as well as producer Scott Jeffrey and cinematographer Vince Knight. The sequel was written by “Summer of ’84” writer and producer Matt Leslie and is based on a story by Frake-Waterfield and Leslie.

Emmy winner Shaune Harrison (“World War Z,” “Harry Potter”) has also joined the team as head of creature and gore designer.

This time Ryan plays Olivia (“Seasoning House”) Pooh, taking over the role from Craig David Dowsett. Peter DeSouza-Feighoney (“The Pope’s Exorcist”) plays a young Winnie, while Scott Chambers joins as Christopher Robin.

“Bigger and badder,” says Frake-Waterfield. “The sequel will feature new creature designs, a new cast and a high death toll. This time, however, Pooh and his friends will leave the Hundred Acre Wood to take their fight to the quiet community of Ashdown!”

Leslie said: “After speaking to Rhys and hearing his vision – his desire to push the boundaries of production scope and create a truly unique, twisty plot that also adds significant depth to the characters – I knew this was what I wanted. “ be a part of. You do something special. Something that will absolutely blow people away.”

The film is scheduled to be released in February 2024.