The beloved children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown, The Runaway Bunny, is coming to HBO Max as an animated special.
Produced and directed by critical acclaimed director Amy Schatz. This retelling will capture the gentle magic of this classic story with the use of traditional hand-drawn animation, narration and performance of an original Margaret Wise Brown lullaby by Tracee Ellis Ross.
The Runaway Bunny is a timeless classic about youthful independence and the strength of a mother’s love,” said Billy Wee, SVP, Original Animation, HBO Max. “Amy Schatz has lovingly brought this story to vivid life with an incredible group of collaborators.”
Originally published in 1942 by HarperCollins Publishers, the book has sold over 12 million copies and continues to enchant generations of children. The Runaway Bunny brings the illustrations of Clement Hurd and the poetry of Margaret Wise Brown to animated life for the first time. Featuring a restless little bunny who dreams of leaving home, the film is an exploration of love and childhood. Woven throughout the story are songs that accompany the bunny on his imaginary, magical adventures into the world and back home to the comfort of his mother’s love.
Grammy winning artists Mariah Carey, Kelly Rowland, Rosanne Cash, Ziggy Marly and Kimya Dawson will provide songs as will Grammy nominees Rufus Wainwright and Michael Kiwanuka.
Featured songs include:
Mariah Carey’s brand-new reinterpretation of her #1 hit song “Always Be My Baby”
Kelly Rowland – Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love”
Rosanne Cash – “You Are My Sunshine”
Ziggy Marley – “What a Wonderful World”
Rufus Wainwright – Billy Joel’s “Lullabye, Goodnight My Angel”
Kimya Dawson – “You Are My Baby”
Michael Kiwanuka – “Home Again”
Tracee Ellis Ross performs “Song of the Runaway Bunny,” the never-before-released song written by Margaret Wise Brown based on a Provençal love ballad which inspired Brown to write this book.
The Runaway Bunny premieres on March 25th.
