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Production started this week in Vancouver on Walt Disney Pictures\u2019 \u201cFlora & Ulysses,\u201d directed by Lena Khan and based on the Newberry Award\u2013winning children\u2019s book, \u201cFlora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures\u201d by Kate DiCamillo. The film is being produced for the upcoming streaming service Disney+, which launches in the U.S. on November 12.<\/p>\n
Director Lena Khan made waves with her first feature film, \u201cThe Tiger Hunter,\u201d which released in 2017 and was financed by crowdfunding. The comedy about a South Asian Muslim immigrant attempting to find his way in 1970s America garnered positive reviews for Khan, a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and spotlighted her talents as a Muslim woman behind the camera.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlora & Ulysses\u201d tells 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\u2019s life\u2014and her outlook\u2014forever.<\/p>\n
Matilda Lawler steps into the role of Flora, marking her film debut. She currently stars on Broadway as Honor Carney in Jez Butterworth\u2019s Tony\u00ae Award\u2013winning play \u201cThe Ferryman,\u201d directed by Sam Mendes. Alyson Hannigan (\u201cHow I Met Your Mother,\u201d \u201cAmerican Pie\u201d) plays Flora\u2019s romance-writer mother, Phyllis, and Ben Schwartz (\u201cParks and Recreation,\u201d \u201cModern Family\u201d) plays the role of her world-weary, estranged father, George. Newcomer Benjamin Evans Ainsworth plays the role of William, Flora\u2019s newfound, but annoying, friend, and Danny Pudi (\u201cCommunity,\u201d \u201cThe Tiger Hunter\u201d) joins the cast as Miller, an overly zealous animal control officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlora & Ulysses\u201d is produced by Academy Award\u00ae\u2013nominated film producer Gil Netter (\u201cLife of Pi,\u201d \u201cThe Blind Side,\u201d \u201cMarley and Me\u201d), and James Powers (\u201cThe Maze Runner\u201d series) and Katterli Frauenfelder (\u201cDumbo,\u201d \u201cMiss Peregrine\u2019s Home for Peculiar Children\u201d) are the executive producers. The book was adapted for the screen by Brad Copeland (\u201cFerdinand,\u201d \u201cWild Hogs\u201d).<\/p>\n
Khan and the producers assembled a talented roster of filmmakers, including director of photography Andrew Dunn (\u201cLee Daniels\u2019 The Butler,\u201d \u201cCrazy, Stupid, Love.\u201d); production designer Michael Fitzgerald (\u201cMedal of Honor,\u201d \u201cThe Tiger Hunter\u201d); editor Lee Haxall (\u201cAlways Be My Maybe\u201d); and costume designer Mona May (\u201cSanta Clarita Diet,\u201d \u201cEnchanted\u201d).<\/p>\n
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