
‘Sunny Dancer’ First Look: Bella Ramsey Roars in George Jaques’ Coming-of-Age Comedy, Now Shooting in Scotland
13th May, 2025
‘Sunny Dancer’ First Look: Bella Ramsey Roars in George Jaques’ Coming-of-Age Comedy, Now Shooting in Scotland
13th May, 2025
Variety
They may still be on screen battling the infected in the second season of “The Last of Us,” but Bella Ramsey already has something else to yell about.
In the first image from “Sunny Dancer,” currently shooting in Scotland and unveiled by Embankment Films and Night Train Media, the fast-rising Brit is seen bellowing at the top of their lungs alongside co-stars Daniel Quinn-Toye (“Voltron”), Earl Cave (“Days of the Bagnold Summer”), Conrad Khan (“County Lines”), Ruby Stokes (“Bridgerton”) and newcomer Jasmine Elcock.
The sophomore feature from director and writer George Jaques (“Black Dog”) has pre-sold to all of Europe and Latin America, with True Brit Entertainment taking U.K. and Irish rights ahead of its 2026 theatrical release.
Alongside Ramsey and Stokes, Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), James Norton (“Joy”, “Bob Marley: One Love”, “Little Woman”) and Neil Patrick Harris (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”, “Gone Girl”) also star, while the ensemble cast includes Shalom Brune Franklin (“Dune: Prophecy”), Josie Walker (“Kneecap”) and Louis Gaunt (“Bridgerton”).
“Sunny Dancer” follows the story of Ivy (Ramsey), who is less than thrilled when forced to attend a summer camp for young people affected by cancer. Ivy is in her own hard-earned remission, and her late-teen scepticism considers “Chemo Camp” as both “Cringe!” and “Icky!”. But, actually, “Sunny Dancer” turns out to be all about turning the “Hard Pass” into the very best moments of life with love, true friendship, and humor.
The project is produced by Ken Petrie of 27 Ten (“Black Dog”, “Enemy Within”) and George Jaques for Athenaeum Productions and in association with Night Train Media financing and holding world-wide rights. Screen Scotland and TPC provide finance.
“We have been captivated by George’s emotional, whip-smart, and fundamentally feel-good storytelling,” said executive producer Herbert L. Kloiber of Night Train Media. “The cast has assembled for a celebration of joyous optimism, and George is acutely assured as a director.”
Added producer Petrie: “The chemistry among our brilliant young cast is remarkable — their on-screen connection continues seamlessly throughout early morning cast calls, lunch breaks and long after we wrap for the evening. What you’ll see in-camera is a reflection of authentic friendship.”