The Last of Us’ Bella Ramsey has joined the cast of Sunny Dancer, a new coming-of-age comedy movie from George Jaques.
Per Variety, Ramsey will play a teenager named Ivy in Sunny Dancer, which Embankment Films is bringing to the Cannes market. Joining Ramsey in the film are Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes, Paddington 2) and Ruby Stokes (A Banquet).
What is Sunny Dancer about?
The film, according to Variety, “follows Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attends Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. The camp’s slogan, ‘Where kids come to kid,’ does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets. As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls ‘chemo camp.’ However, as Ivy is reluctantly dragged through camp experience, she discovers new feelings with new friends.”
Sunny Dancer marks Jacques’ second time directing a feature film following 2023’s Black Dog. He’ll produce the movie alongside Ken Petrie.
“I’m beyond excited to tell this story which focuses on a subject matter very close to my heart,” Jaques said. “I can’t imagine anybody better to bring it to life than the amazing cast of Bella, Louis, and Ruby — I am truly thrilled they are a part of it.”
Hugo Grumbar of Embankment Films added, “We’re committed to the global promotion of emerging talent and George Jaques is a force of nature, who has written funny, highly engaging characters, in a whip-smart, emotional comedy.”
Along with starring as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, Ramsey is known for playing Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. They’ve also starred in movies such as 2019’s Judy, 2022’s Catherine Called Birdy, and 2023’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
