Jony Ive is working on a project for Apple, but this time it’s neither hardware nor software. The former Apple design chief is an executive producer on the upcoming Apple TV+ animated movie “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse,” which will debut on the streaming service during the holiday season.
Adapted from Charlie Mackesy’s book of the same name, the short film tells the story of a friendship that ignites between the four characters as they search for a home for the boy. Starring Tom Hollander as The Mole, Idris Elba as The Fox, Gabriel Byrne as The Horse and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy.
The film will be directed by Peter Baynton, while the production team includes Cara Speller, JJ Abrams and Hannah Minghella. Ive is credited as an executive producer alongside Woody Harrelson, a known friend of the famous Apple designer. The film will have an original score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander. From Apple Press release:
A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heartwarming, animated classic based on Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse as they travel together in the boy’s search for home.
“The journey of making The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse with my incredibly gifted animation team has been magical,” says writer Charlie Mackesy. “I never dreamed it would happen – but it’s so touching to think that the story will be followed at Christmas. I really hope it brings some joy, laughter and comfort.”
Ive announced his departure from Apple in June 2019 to start his own design company, LoveFrom. At the time, Ive said that Apple would be one of his main clients, with Ive continuing to do design work.
He went on to work on the 24-inch iMac and other products, as well as guiding the design of the Apple Car. However, in July it was reported that the partnership between Apple and Ive had come to an end.
Released on Christmas Day, December 25, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse will premiere on the BBC in the UK and will also be available to stream on Apple TV+ in the UK and other countries.
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