Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Locksmith Animation expanded the voice cast for their musical feature Bad Fairies on Monday, adding Serrana Su-Ling Bliss, James Acaster and Dee Bradley Baker to an already starry lineup that includes Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa. Announced at the Annecy Festival during the studio’s “A New Chapter” presentation, the news sharpens attention on a project now slated for a wide release on May 21, 2027.
The film, described as a subversive musical comedy from an original screenplay by Deborah Frances-White, follows a rebellious collective of fairies that upend the rules of their enchanted world. Directors Megan Nicole Dong and co-director Olivier Staphylas revealed the casting updates as part of Warner Bros.’ animation slate at Annecy, one of the industry’s key annual showcases.
Who’s joining the voice cast
Serrana Su-Ling Bliss will voice the character Fei. The young UK actress has been noticed for roles in Enola Holmes 2 and Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, and she brings stage experience from West End productions including Les Misérables and School of Rock.
James Acaster, the British comedian known for his Netflix stand-up, the Off Menu podcast and television appearances on Taskmaster, lends his voice to a character named Stickers. Acaster’s rising profile in comedy and film extends to recent feature work.
Dee Bradley Baker joins as Groundbeef. Baker is a veteran of animated franchises, with a long list of credits that includes the clone troopers in Star Wars animated series, Perry the Platypus on Phineas and Ferb and the creatures Appa and Momo on Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Other previously announced talent attached to the project include Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa, underscoring the studio’s strategy of combining established film actors with seasoned voice performers and comedians.
Key production credits
- Directors: Megan Nicole Dong and Olivier Staphylas
- Screenplay: Deborah Frances-White (original)
- Songwriters: Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss (Six: The Musical)
- Score and music contributions: Isabella “Machine” Summers (Florence + The Machine)
- Executive music producer: Ian Eisendrath
- Digital partner: DNEG Animation
- Theatrical release (US): May 21, 2027
Production is underway in London, with DNEG Animation serving as the digital partner. The creative team also lists producer Carolyn Soper, editor Sim Evan-Jones, cinematographer James C.J. Williams, and character designer Uwe Heidschötter among its core credits.
The picture is the first feature to emerge from the first-look deal announced in 2023 between Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Locksmith Animation — a pact that signals deeper collaboration and a push to expand both studios’ theatrical animation output. The two companies have another title, The Lunar Chronicles, scheduled for November 3, 2028.
Why this matters: Bad Fairies brings together diverse talent across stage, screen and comedy, and the involvement of writers and musicians known for bold, contemporary work (notably Marlow and Moss) suggests the project will aim for a modern, pop-driven tone. For industry watchers, the film is an early indicator of how the WBPA–Locksmith partnership will shape the studio’s creative direction and release calendar.
From a commercial standpoint, the mix of recognizable voices and experienced animation crew could broaden the film’s appeal — attracting families, fans of stage musicals and viewers drawn to comedic names like Acaster. The soundtrack team, featuring a Grammy-nominated composer, also raises expectations that music will play a central role in marketing and audience engagement.
Studio observers and animation fans should expect further casting updates, teasers or festival screenings as production progresses. With work happening now in London, the next year will likely bring production footage, song previews and more details on release strategy.
Representations listed for the new cast include The Artists Partnership for Serrana Su-Ling Bliss, PBJ Management UK and CAA for James Acaster, and Sutton, Barth & Vennari for Dee Bradley Baker.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.