The Velveteen Rabbit is a 2023 live-action/animated fantasy short film based on the novel of the same name. It was directed by Jennifer Perrott and Rick Thiele, and written by Tom Bidwell. It features Phoenix Laroche and the voices of Alex Lawther, Helena Bonham Carter, and Nicola Coughlan.
Produced by Magic Light Pictures, the 44-minute special was released by Apple TV+ on 22 November 2023.
Contents
Cast
Phoenix Laroche as William
Voice and animated cast
Alex Lawther as Velveteen Rabbit
Helena Bonham Carter as Wise Horse
Nicola Coughlan as Playroom Fairy
Paterson Joseph as King
Lois Chimimba as Car
Clive Rowe as Lion
Nathaniel Parker as Male Rabbit
Bethany Antonia as Female Rabbit
Production
Filming
The main filming took place in the two-story Tibradden House in the Rathfarnham suburb of County South Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The building is a designated local heritage site in Ireland and has previously been used as a film location for other films.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 9 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.5/10.
Rachel Aroesti of The Guardian awarded the special three stars out of five, praising the performances and emotional story.