First Glimpse of Ben Kingsley in Wes Anderson’s Adaptation of ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’

THE BIG PICTURE
Roald Dahl’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is being brought to life by Wes Anderson and boasts a dazzling cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade, and Dev Patel. Just a week following its announcement, filming commenced, marking Cumberbatch’s inaugural partnership with director Anderson. Set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, the film will subsequently be available on Netflix due to the platform’s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company.

Screen adaptations of books have long been a staple of the entertainment industry. They typically leverage a pre-existing fan base and robust source material, allowing filmmakers to inject their creative flair into familiar narratives, thereby enthralling new viewers and satisfying long-time followers. The latest entry in this lineage of adaptations is Wes Anderson’s rendition of Roald Dahl’s short story The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. With a constellation of stars forming its cast, the first released image underscores this allure.

The said image reveals a quintet of men standing, with Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), whose role is yet to be revealed, being suited up and sandwiched between a duo of doctors (portrayed by Richard Ayoade and Dev Patel), with another couple positioned in the background. The plot pivots on the escapades of Henry Sugar (Benedict Cumberbatch), a wealthy man who experiences a life-changing disillusionment upon realizing its true worth. This newfound knowledge is gleaned from a book he steals, which imbues him with the ability to see through objects and predict the future. Consequently, the narrative tracks Sugar as he eludes a mafia boss’s henchmen, crafts new identities, and uses his fortune to establish orphanages worldwide.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, whose filming began in January 2022, a mere week post its announcement, is Cumberbatch’s inaugural film with director Anderson. Netflix, which acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company for a whopping $686 million, will host the film on its platform. This is the second of Dahl’s creations to make it to the streaming service, with Matilda the Musical being the first, released in 2022.

RELATED:
‘The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar’: All You Need To Know About The Cast, Plot, Release Timeline, and Wes Anderson’s Upcoming Film

Key Details of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Besides Kingsley, Cumberbatch, Patel, and Ayoade, the star-studded lineup of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar features Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel) and Rupert Friend (The French Dispatch). Anderson will again collaborate with frequent accomplice Robert D. Yeoman, who will helm the cinematography, and Kasia Walicka-Maimone will manage the costume design. Noted for his distinct style, Anderson has divulged the runtime of this short film and rationalized its streaming release. “As it’s a 37-minute film, it perfectly suits the platform. It reminds me of the ‘Play for Today’ programs by the BBC directed by the likes of Steven Frears and John Schlesinger. They were hour-long, or even shorter,” Anderson said.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is set to make its debut at the Venice Film Festival this coming September. Catch a glimpse of the image below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wes Anderson’s ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’

More about Wes Anderson’s ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’

• Wes Anderson
• The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
• Netflix
• Roald Dahl
• Venice Film Festival
• Benedict Cumberbatch
• Ben Kingsley
• Richard Ayoade
• Dev Patel
• Matilda the Musical