BBC One released the first trailer for its animated adaptation of classic novel Watership Down, about a band of rabbits in search of a new home.

“All the world will be your enemy, and when they catch you they will kill you. But first they must catch you,” according to the trailer, which quotes a famous line from the book by Richard Adams.

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 home of Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, towards a promised land and a more perfect society.

Focusing on the courage and survival of the rabbits, the trailer doesn’t shy from taking on a darker tone complete with danger, fighting, blood and death.

The high-profile cast includes James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton, Rosamund Pike, Gemma Chan, Peter Capaldi, Taron Egerton, Miles Jupp, Freddie Fox, Mackenzie Crook, Olivia Colman, Anne-Marie Duff, Rory Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson, Jason Watkins, Craig Parkinson, Henry Goodman, Lee Ingleby, Charlotte Spencer and Daniel Rigby.

The series is adapted for the screen by Tom Bidwell. It’s executive produced by Rory Aitken, Josh Varney, Ben Pugh and Eleanor Moran for 42; Martin Rosen; and Ben Irving for BBC One; and Noam Murro for Biscuit Entertainment, who also directs. It’s co-directed by Alan Short and Seamus Malone and produced by Georgia Dussaud and Cecil Kramer.

Watership Down will premiere on BBC One and Netflix on December 22.

Tags: bbc one netflix watership down


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