MUMBAI: Universal Pictures and Working Title Films – in association with Three Strange Angels Productions – will begin the principal photography early next month on Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.

Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she’s wanted the least and needed the most in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world.

The family comedy will be directed by Susanna White. Also returning to the series are producers Lindsay Doran – in her fifth collaboration with Thompson – and Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner (see credits below). In addition to starring and writing, Thompson will executive produce, along with Working Title’s Debra Hayward and Liza Chasin.

Joining Thompson and Gyllenhaal for the project are Rhys Ifans, Phil; Asa Butterfield Norman; and Dame Maggie Smith. Ralph Fiennes lends his talents for a cameo in the film.