Ncuti Gatwa Joins ‘Bad Fairies’ Voice Cast as Mischievous Fairy Antagonist

Ncuti Gatwa expands his animated portfolio with a role in the upcoming musical ‘Bad Fairies’. The ‘Doctor Who’ star voices a cunning fairy antagonist who schemes against the protagonists’ harmonious kingdom. This addition bolsters the film’s ensemble, blending his charismatic energy with the project’s whimsical tone.

The film originates from a 2022 book by Marina J. Lostetter, adapted into an original screenplay by David Schneider. Directors handle a runtime of 95 minutes, rated PG for mild fantasy peril and thematic elements. Production falls under Skydance Animation, with a release slated for December 2026 on Paramount+ and select theaters.

Gatwa’s character, tentatively named Thorne, leads a faction of rogue fairies disrupting the central duo’s quest for unity. His performance draws from vocal techniques honed in ‘Sex Education’, emphasizing sly inflections and melodic taunts. Co-stars include Awkwafina as the lead fairy and Maya Rudolph voicing her sidekick, with songs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Animation employs a hybrid style combining 2D hand-drawn elements for character expressions and 3D for expansive forest environments. The score integrates orchestral swells with pop-infused ballads, totaling eight original tracks. Gatwa records in Los Angeles studios, contributing to three ensemble numbers that advance the plot’s conflict resolution.

The story follows two young fairies, Lila and Pip, exiled for minor infractions, who uncover a plot to fracture their enchanted realm. Thorne’s machinations involve enchanted vines and illusion spells, forcing the heroes to rally woodland allies. Themes explore redemption and found family, with 70 percent of dialogue delivered through musical sequences.

Skydance partners with Netflix for international distribution outside North America, targeting family audiences during holiday windows. Budget estimates reach $80 million, supported by merchandise lines including fairy wing playsets and soundtrack vinyls. Gatwa’s involvement aligns with his post-‘Doctor Who’ pivot to voice work, following ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’.

Casting announcements coincide with concept art reveals at Annecy Festival previews in June 2025. Gatwa attends table reads via Zoom from London, praising the script’s “layered mischief” in a Variety interview. Miranda’s contributions include a villain duet featuring Gatwa, clocking at 4:15 minutes.

The film’s visual palette shifts from pastel meadows to shadowy thickets, rendered in 4K resolution for streaming optimization. Supporting voices encompass Zendaya as a wise elder fairy and John Krasinski as a bumbling guard. Production utilizes Unreal Engine for real-time previews, accelerating iteration on flight sequences.

Gatwa’s schedule accommodates filming around ‘Doctor Who’ Season 15 commitments, wrapping principal voice sessions by March 2026. The project marks Skydance’s third musical venture post-‘Luck’, grossing $108 million globally. Early test screenings yield 92 percent family approval scores.

‘Bad Fairies’ positions as a counterpoint to darker fairy tales like ‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey’, emphasizing levity over horror. Gatwa’s Thorne evolves from antagonist to reluctant ally, mirroring arcs in his live-action roles. Sound mixing prioritizes Gatwa’s baritone for echo effects in cavern scenes.

Merchandise prototypes feature Gatwa-inspired figurines at 6 inches tall, priced at $15. The film’s teaser trailer, debuted at D23 Expo, amasses 5 million views, highlighting Gatwa’s introductory song. Paramount+ bundles it with ‘The Smurfs Movie’ for promotional crossovers.

This role cements Gatwa’s versatility, bridging sci-fi and fantasy genres. The cast’s chemistry shines in improv sessions, informing ad-libs retained in final cuts. As post-production advances, additional songs may incorporate Gatwa’s input on Rwandan folk influences.