Production started this week in Vancouver on Walt Disney Pictures’Flora & Ulysses, directed byLena Khanand based on the Newberry Award–winning children’s book, “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” byKate DiCamillo(“Because of Winn-Dixie”, “The Tale of Despereaux”). The film is being produced for the upcoming streaming serviceDisney+, which launches in the U.S. on November 12th.
Flora & Ulyssestells the story of 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, who saves a squirrel she names Ulysses only to have its unique superhero powers wreak havoc in a series of humorous, antic-filled adventures that ultimately change Flora’s life—and her outlook—forever.
Matilda Lawlersteps into the role of Flora, marking her film debut. She currently stars on Broadway as Honor Carney inJez Butterworth’s Tony Award–winning play “The Ferryman,” directed bySam Mendes.Alyson Hannigan(How I Met Your Mother,American Pie) plays Flora’s romance-writer mother, Phyllis, andBen Schwartz(Parks and Recreation, Modern Family) plays the role of her world-weary, estranged father, George. NewcomerBenjamin Evans Ainsworthplays the role of William, Flora’s newfound, but annoying, friend, andDanny Pudi(Community, The Tiger Hunter) joins the cast as Miller, an overly zealous animal control officer.
Khan first feature filmThe Tiger Hunter, which released in 2017 and was financed by crowdfunding, was a comedy about a South Asian Muslim immigrant attempting to find his way in 1970s America. The film garnered positive reviews for Khan and spotlighted her talents as a Muslim woman behind the camera.
Flora & Ulyssesis produced by Academy Award–nominated film producerGil NetterandJames PowersandKatterli Frauenfelderare the executive producers. The book was adapted for the screen byBrad Copeland(Ferdinand, Wild Hogs).
Khan and the producers assembled a talented roster of filmmakers, including director of photographyAndrew Dunn(Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Crazy, Stupid, Love.); production designerMichael Fitzgerald(Medal of Honor, The Tiger Hunter); editorLee Haxall(Always Be My Maybe); and costume designerMona May(Santa Clarita Diet, Enchanted).
About Disney+:
Launching in the U.S. on July 31, 2025, Disney+ will be the ultimate streaming destination for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. From The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, Disney+ will offer ad-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content including series “The Mandalorian,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” and “Encore!” and films “Lady and the Tramp” and “Noelle.” Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment and 30 seasons of “The Simpsons,” the service will also be the exclusive streaming home for films released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019 and beyond, including “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Lion King,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” “Frozen 2,”and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more.
