The re-imagining of the classic puppet show will feature Mia Wasikowska (Tracks, Stoker, Maps to the Stars) in the starring role of Judy.
The VICE Media Australia with Blue-Tongue Films feature has attracted major production investment from VICE Media (USA) and Screen Australia, in association with Film Victoria.
Produced by Michele Bennett (Mr Inbetween, Chopper) alongside Blue-Tongue Films’ Nash Edgerton (Mr Inbetween, The Square) and VICE Media’s Danny Gabai (Bad Batch), Judy and Punch will be executive produced by Oscar-nominated Vincent Landay (Her, Being John Malkovich) and VICE Media’s Chief Creative Officer Eddy Moretti. Cornerstone Films is attached for international sales.
Judy and Punch is a live-action reinterpretation of the story of ‘Punch and Judy’, a puppet play traditionally told with marionettes. Set in the fictional town of Seaside, it follows two puppeteers – the vain but charismatic Punch and his resilient and talented wife Judy - as they attempt to resurrect their show as a means of escaping their decrepit town. Described by Ms Foulkes as “a crazy mix of fantasy, feminism and fanaticism”, the world she has created for Judy and Punch is coarse and brutal, bubbling with violence, misogyny and magic.
The feature will commence filming in regional Victoria in April 2018.