Henry Golding has taken on a leading role in a new version of the animated Thomas & Friends series, becoming the latest star to narrate the adventures of the famous blue engine.
The children's favourite, which has entertained audiences for more than 80 years, is returning with a refreshed visual style and a new cast providing the voices of its characters.
New series launches on YouTube
The latest instalment in the franchise, titled Thomas & Friends Railway Stories, premieres on YouTube with a special 30-minute episode titled Really Helpful Engines, according to The Independent.
Golding, best known for his roles in Crazy Rich Asians and The Gentlemen, will serve as narrator.
Following Ringo Starr and Pierce Brosnan
The 39-year-old British actor follows in the footsteps of Sir Ringo Starr, who previously narrated the series, and Pierce Brosnan, who provided narration for a 2008 Thomas film.
Golding acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors, saying he felt he was stepping into the "shadows of giants".
"I think we're bringing a new breath of life and a new kind of excitement to Thomas, while modernising it a little, and that's the exciting part," he said.
Friendship and teamwork remain central
Despite the updated look, Golding said the themes that have helped define Thomas & Friends remain at the heart of the new production.
He highlighted friendship and teamwork as particularly important elements of the franchise, adding that both the new series and its special episode build on those themes.
The latest adaptation marks another chapter for Thomas the Tank Engine, more than eight decades after the character first became a children's favourite.
Source: CNA
