When Paul Carpenter (Patrick Gibson) and Sophie Pettingel (Sophie Wilde) begin an internship at the mysterious London firm JW Wells & Co., they quickly realize it’s no ordinary job. When Paul takes it upon himself to find a portable door, he uncovers the magical secrets that lie within the company – and uncovers a corporate plot to manipulate free will through ancient magical practices.
Directed by Jeffrey Walker (Difficult People) and based on the book of the same name by Tom Holt, The Doorway is a whimsical fantasy film with stunning visuals – and creatures created by The Jim Henson Company. Total Film sat down for a brief chat with stars Miranda Otto and Sophie Wilde to discuss the magic and whimsy of the film.
What drew you both to the script?
Miranda Otto: I was working on another project about the fires in Australia, which was really great, but a really tragic story. In the midst of that, I got this script and it was such an escape to read about all these worlds and all the magic within the JW Wells company. I was just really drawn to something that was light and bright and hopeful.
Sophie Wilde: Yes. It felt really quirky and fun. And similarly, I was working on a really intense, BBC crime gang show and I really wanted to do something fun and I want to come to work every day and play and be a kid. So yeah, that was it.
I really liked Sophie’s character and the way she gradually warms to Paul throughout the film.
SW: It’s so sweet – this love story is at the heart of it. I feel like we didn’t even realize how much that was really a part of the movie until I watched it and was like, “Oh, this is a love story!”
MO: No, that’s what I thought too. I thought the whole thing at its heart was down to the two of you and your relationship and watching it unfold. This is very much the heart of the story.
You played a very different witch than Zelda Spellman.
Yes. Very different. Very different. Not as vicious as Zelda. Not as dark as Zelda. Countess Judy knows a lot about what’s going on in the world, but I think in some ways she’s a lighter figure. You know, she just slips and has people running after her.
What part or parts of the film are you most excited for people to see?
MO: I think just like the magic of it – and the sets are incredible, there are so many little details and things that will be amazing for the audience to see. And the creatures, the Henson goblins and all of that is so fantastic. But just the idea of having a portable door that you could take wherever you want to go makes you think about it.
The Portable Door is due to be released on Sky Cinema in the UK and MGM+ in the US on April 7. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies in 2023 and beyond.
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