The Magic Faraway Tree, the fantasy adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s books starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, arrived on digital streaming and PVOD platforms on September 22, 2026. The film is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and other major digital retailers, with rental prices starting at $19.99.
The digital release comes approximately one month after the film’s U.S. theatrical debut on August 21, 2026, and roughly six months after its initial U.K. release in March. The movie is not currently available on subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, or Max, and no SVOD release date has been announced.
UK Success Contrasts with US Box Office Struggles
The film has performed well internationally, grossing over $30 million worldwide against a reported production budget of approximately $80 million. In the United Kingdom, the film opened to $3.7 million in March 2026 and became the highest-grossing UK independent film in the first six months of the year.
In North America, however, the film struggled significantly. It opened in 1,611 theaters on August 21, earning just $1.34 million in its domestic debut weekend, finishing outside the top ten. The film’s total domestic gross stands at $2.29 million, with a per-theater average of $835 during its opening frame. Industry reports noted the opening marked the lowest wide-release debut weekend of Garfield’s career.
Critical Reception Remains Positive Despite Commercial Challenges
Critics have generally received The Magic Faraway Tree favorably. The film holds a 79% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 50 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10. The audience score stands at 80% based on more than 50 verified ratings. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 59 based on critic reviews.
The Hollywood Reporter’s review called the film ‘relentlessly twee and sugary,’ while other critics praised its whimsical tone and the performances of Garfield and Foy. The film was compared favorably to the Paddington series, which shares screenwriter Simon Farnaby.
Andrew Garfield spoke about the film’s themes in an interview with ScreenRant, saying, ‘We would love to make more of these. We had such a pleasurable time doing them, and I think they offer a lot to families in the audience.’
Two Sequels Already in Development
Producers Pippa Harris and Danny Perkins confirmed in May 2026 that two sequels are in development. Harris told Deadline, ‘If you can crack the family audience with a single film, then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t keep coming back and take the IP elsewhere.’ She compared the franchise’s potential to the Paddington films, which have spawned multiple sequels, an animated series, and a stage musical.
Director Ben Gregor has also expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series. ‘In terms of the story, for me, I was always sure that we could do sequels because there’s so many stories, so many lands to go to,’ Gregor told The Hollywood Reporter. ‘There’s like three or four books. So there’s plenty in there.’
Production on the next installment could begin as early as 2027, depending on the availability of the main cast. Simon Farnaby is expected to return as screenwriter.
The Magic Faraway Tree is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. The film is currently available for digital rental and purchase across major platforms in the United States.