Granddaughter of Time Bandits actor slams Taika Waititi’s revival for casting choices

The granddaughter of an 80s actor who starred in the hit fantasy flick Time Bandits has slammed Taika Waititi’s Apple TV+ series reboot of the classic for its casting choices. 

Abbie Grace, 22, has taken to social media to voice her disappointment that no one with dwarfism appears to have been listed in the cast announcement so far, with Friends alum Lisa Kudrow set to lead the remake.

The granddaughter of Jack Purvis – who played Wally in the original – has demanded an explanation for why the director is ‘tarnishing her late grandfather’s legacy’.

Abbie, who is also an actress from Scotland, added she feels ‘forgotten’, after initially feeling excited about the opportunities the upcoming release may offer for actors of shorter stature like herself.

Last month Deadline reported that Lisa Kudrow (left) will join a cast which already boasts Kal-El Tuck from Unseeing Evil, House star Charlyne Yi (right) and Martyrs Lane actress Kiera Thompson – although it is not clear if they will play the Time Bandits in question

Speaking in a TikTok, she said: ‘When I heard there was going to be a series, I was over the moon.

‘I happen to also be an actor, thanks to my grandfather and I finally thought that people like me were going to be represented in my generation and not always have to refer to an 80s film.’

She then detailed finding out that ‘average height’ actors have been cast, feeling ‘baffled’ by the choice. 

Last month Deadline reported that Lisa Kudrow will join a cast which already boasts Kal-El Tuck from Unseeing Evil, House star Charlyne Yi and Martyrs Lane actress Kiera Thompson – although it is not clear if they will play the Time Bandits in question.

The outlet also said Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte and Rachel House will feature in roles.

The fantasy movie followed the adventures of a young boy called Kevin – played by Craig Warnock – and famously featured six actors of shorter stature in the main cast, including Abbie’s grandfather Jack, David Rappaport, Kenny Baker, Malcolm Dixon, Mike Edmonds, and Tiny Ross

The granddaughter of Jack Purvis (pictured) – who played Wally in the original – has demanded an explanation for why the director is ‘tarnishing her late grandfather’s legacy’

Taika’s production is based on Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film of the same name which starred industry heavyweights like Sean Connery, John Cleese and Ian Holm.

The fantasy movie followed the adventures of a young boy called Kevin – played by Craig Warnock – and famously featured six actors with dwarfism in the main cast, including Abbie’s grandfather Jack, David Rappaport, Kenny Baker, Malcolm Dixon, Mike Edmonds, and Tiny Ross. 

Abbie continued: ‘Time Bandits is the only film that’s ever represented people like me in a way that isn’t seen as a goblin or one of Snow White’s seven little men.

‘This was a film that changed the times and it was ahead of the times to be honest because people like me weren’t treated the same as they are now.

The upcoming release is based on Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film of the same name which starred Sean Connery, John Cleese and Ian Holm among others

Deadline earlier reported that Apple has finally greenlit the project which has been in development since 2019. A shot from the original film pictured

‘For a generation that is so big on talking about inclusivity and diversity and making sure that everyone’s heard, this whole casting choice just seems absurd.’

MailOnline has reached out to Apple TV+ and Taika Waititi’s representatives for comment. 

Deadline earlier reported that Apple has finally greenlit the project which has been in development since 2019.

Taika will also direct the first two episodes of the series which follows ‘a young boy who discovers a time-traveling portal in his bedroom,’ according to the series’ IMDb page. 

Time Bandits does not currently have a release date.