Elijah Wood Stars in “Bookworm” as Estranged Father and Illusionist

Elijah Wood‘s engagement with the realm of magic continues as he graces the screen in the upcoming film “Bookworm.” In this new venture, Wood plays the character of Strawn Wise, an illusionist looking to bond with his estranged daughter. The movie is slated for a simultaneous release in theaters and On Demand services on October 18, 2023.

The film unveils the story of Strawn Wise, a washed-up Las Vegas illusionist who finds himself in New Zealand taking care of his 11-year-old daughter, Mildred, portrayed by Nell Fisher. His journey to reconnect with her follows an accident that leaves her mother hospitalized. As the narrative unfolds, Strawn attempts a simple card trick meant to entertain Mildred, but his initial efforts falter, leading to comedic outcomes.

Further adding to their adventures, the father-daughter duo embarks on a camping trip in pursuit of the mythological Canterbury Panther. The exploration into their dynamic is anticipated to provide a mix of humor and heartfelt moments as they navigate through their differences.

Directed by Ant Timpson, “Bookworm” marks a continuing collaboration with Elijah Wood, following their previous work on the film “Come to Daddy.” The screenplay, crafted by Toby Harvard, weaves elements of magic, family bonding, and adventure into its storyline.

In conversations about the film’s inception, Timpson has shared insights into its thematic focus. Speaking from personal experiences, he revealed, “This came about from [screenwriter] Toby [Harvard] and I discussing the number one fear we had as fathers and parents: seeing total terror in our kids in a crisis situation, looking to us to step up, and seeing our fear reflected at them.”

The cast of “Bookworm” includes Morgana O’Reilly, Nikki Si’ulepa, Vanessa Stacey, Theo Shakes, and Michael Smiley. With a runtime of 103 minutes, the film promises a blend of adventure, family, and comedy, resonating with audiences seeking both laughter and emotional depth.