Kavaleer Productions to Adapt John Boorman’s ‘The Honey Wars’ into Animated Film

Irish animation studio Kavaleer Productions, based in Dublin, is embarking on its inaugural feature film project by transforming “The Honey Wars,” a tale from renowned director Sir John Boorman, into an animated family movie. The feature, which promises a magical blend of fantasy and comedy, is currently in development and backed by Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann’s ‘Creative Futures’ scheme.

The film boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors, including Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Vanessa Kirby, Patrick Stewart, Brendan Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, and Jon Voight. The narrative draws on Boorman’s storytelling legacy, offering a whimsical and darkly comedic fantasy based on stories he once shared with his children.

John Boorman, an iconic British director recognized for his works such as “Point Blank,” “Deliverance,” “Excalibur,” and “Hope and Glory,” will serve as the story consultant and executive producer for the film. He expressed enthusiasm for this new endeavor, stating, “I’m so delighted that this story of myth and magic is being brought to life and I hope that it captures the hearts and minds of many children as it did my own.”

“The Honey Wars” introduces audiences to the enchanting world of Hope, a young girl who possesses the rare ability to perceive invisible connections between the magical and real worlds. Following the death of her mother, Hope finds herself embroiled in an ancient conflict between two supernatural tribes, the Fairies and the Elves. Her journey of discovery leads her to form alliances with Alfred, an exiled Elf, and Fiona, an ostracized fairy. Together, they must uncover buried truths and strive for peace amidst a war-torn mystical realm.

Andrew Kavanagh, CEO and Founder of Kavaleer Productions, described the film as, “The Honey Wars combines the scope of Lord of the Rings with the quirkiness of Coraline and is filled with sharply observed characters, wry humor and unexpected twists — everything you’d expect from a John Boorman story.”

The project marks Kavaleer Productions’ first venture into feature-length films, building on the animation expertise of industry veterans Alan Keane and Andrew Kavanagh, and it is anticipated to attract co-production partners as developments proceed.

Boorman’s son, Charley Boorman, also expressed his support for the endeavor, reminiscing about how “The Honey Wars” was a beloved story during his childhood. “I’m so glad ‘The Honey Wars’ are finally going to be made into a movie,” he remarked. “Growing up with my father being such a great storyteller, he used to tell us all sorts of stories, but ‘The Honey Wars’ between the fairies and the elves was the one that used to make us laugh and get our imagination going.”