Anna Popplewell Movies And TV Shows - From Narnia To Reign
Let's delve into the cinematic tapestry of Anna Popplewell, exploring her captivating performances and diverse contributions in both movies and television.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Elisa MuellerJan 31, 20241.1K Shares31.4K Views
Anna Popplewell, born on 16 December 1988, is an accomplished English actress widely recognized for her portrayal of Susan Pevensie in the enchanting film series, The Chronicles of Narnia (2005–2008). Her compelling performance in the fantasy realm garnered her numerous accolades. Let's explore Anna Popplewell Movies and TV shows that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Beyond her iconic role in The Chronicles of Narnia, Popplewell took on the character of Chyler Silva in the web series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (2012), a production inspired by the video game of the same title. Further showcasing her versatility, she assumed the role of Lady Lola in the historical romantic drama series Reign (2013–2016). This marked her debut as the lead in a television series, adding another dimension to her illustrious career.
Early Life
Anna Popplewell, the eldest among three siblings, was born into a distinguished family. Her father, Lord Justice Sir Andrew Popplewell, served as a Court of Appeal judge, while her mother, Debra Lomas, pursued a career in dermatology after studying at Newnham College, Cambridge. Born in London, Anna's siblings include actress Lulu Popplewell, renowned for her role as Daisy in Love Actually, and Freddie Popplewell, who portrayed Michael Darling in the film Peter Pan.
Her paternal grandfather, Sir Oliver Popplewell, holds the distinction of being a former judge, and her uncle, Nigel Popplewell, a former cricketer. Anna pursued her education at North London Collegiate School, where she held a senior student position during the academic year 2006–07.
In 2007, she gained admission to Oxford University, choosing to study English Language and Literature at Magdalen College, a testament to her academic pursuits beyond the realm of acting.
Personal Life
Anna Popplewell entered matrimony with actor Sam Caird in 2016. The union of the two brought forth the joy of parenthood, as the couple welcomed a daughter into their lives.
Career
Anna Popplewell began her acting career at a young age, starting drama classes at six. Her professional journey kicked off in 1998 with "Frenchman's Creek" on TV. She made her film debut in 1999 with "Mansfield Park" and later took on supporting roles in movies like "The Little Vampire" (2000) and "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (2003), featuring Scarlett Johansson.
Popplewell gained fame with her major role in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005) at the age of 17. Despite a fear of mice, she continued in the sequel, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2008). She also made a cameo in the third film, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (2010).
In 2012, she played Chyler Silva in the mini-series "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn." Transitioning to TV, she portrayed Lola in "Reign" (2013–2016), a friend of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Besides acting, Popplewell delved into audiobooks, narrating for publishers like Simon & Schuster Audio and Harper Audio since 2018. Notable works include "Dear Mrs. Bird," "Yours, Cheerfully," "London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency," "Queen of Coin and Whispers," and "Jane Eyre."
Popplewell's talents extend beyond screens, captivating audiences through her diverse contributions to film and audio storytelling.
Movies
- 1999- Mansfield Park as Betsey
- 2000- The Little Vampire as Anna Sackville-Bagg
- 2001- Me Without You as Young Marina
- 2002- Thunderpants as Denise Smash
- 2003- Girl with a Pearl Earring as Maertge
- 2005- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as Susan Pevensie
- 2008- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as Susan Pevensie
- 2010- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader as Susan Pevensie
- 2012- Payback Season as Izzy
- 2012- Halo 4: Forward unto Dawn as Chyler Sylvia
- 2015- Freak of Nurture as Nurse Bethany Lane
- 2017- The Last Birthday as Olga
- 2019- You are here as Tanya
- 2022- The Gallery as Morgan/Dorian
- 2022- Fairytale as Frankie
- 2023- The Nun II as Kate
TV Shows
- 1998- Frenchman's Creek as Henrietta
- 2000- Dirty Tricks as Rebecca
- 2001- Love in a Cold Climate as Victoria
- 2002- Daniel Deronda as Fanny Davilow
- 2011- Comedy Lab as Herself – Guest
- 2011- Brave New World as Maura Taft
- 2012- Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn as Chyler Silva
- 2012- Looking Back as Herself
- 2013–2016- Reign as Lady Lola/Lola Narcisse
- 2020- Prop Culture as Herself
- 2020- The Left Right Game as Laura
Mansfield Park (1999)
Anna Popplewell acted as Betsey. The movie surrounds Fanny,who at age 10, Fanny Price goes to live with her rich relatives, the Bertrams, because her parents can't afford to support her. Life at Mansfield Park isn't easy—Mrs. Norris treats her like a servant. Yet, Fanny finds a friend in her cousin Edmund.
When Sir Thomas and his son Tom leave for Antigua, the arrival of charming siblings, Henry and Mary Crawford, shakes things up. Romantic chaos ensues among the Bertram siblings and the Crawfords. Edmund, enamored with Mary, unintentionally hurts Fanny.
The plot thickens as Maria and Julia compete for Henry's affections, even though Maria is engaged to Mr. Rushworth. A scandalous play, Lovers' Vows, adds more drama. Maria marries Rushworth, and Henry, initially seeking amusement, falls for Fanny.
Fanny faces pressure from her uncle to accept Henry's proposal, but she refuses, choosing her values over a loveless marriage. Tom's serious illness brings Fanny back to Mansfield Park.
Amid scandal involving Maria and Henry, Fanny and Edmund relationship deepens, leading to their marriage. Sir Thomas reevaluates priorities, Tom recovers, and Fanny's sister joins the Bertram household. The story highlights themes of love, betrayal, and staying true to one's moral values.
The Little Vampire (2000)
Anna Popplewell as Anna Sackville-Bagg. The story talks about Eight-year-old Tony Thompson moving from California to Scotland with his family, residing in a small castle on Lord McAshton's estate. Tony faces nightmares about vampires and bullying at school from Lord McAshton's grandsons, Flint and Nigel.
Dressed as a vampire one night, Tony is mistaken for a real vampire by Rudolph, a young vampire on the run from the local vampire hunter, Rookery. After realizing Tony isn't a threat, Rudolph, weakened by Rookery, befriends him. Rudolph reveals his family's desire to become human and their search for a magical amulet, sought by Rookery as well. Tony helps Rudolph, and they seek revenge on bullies Flint and Nigel.
Rookery alerts Lord McAshton about vampires in the village, and a family history reveals a tragic connection between the McAshtons and Rudolph's family. Tony, Rudolph, and Anna embark on a quest for the amulet, hidden in Tony's bedroom. A chase ensues with Rookery, and they escape with the amulet.
At the ritual site, Rookery interrupts, but Tony's parents defend against him. Tony completes the ceremony, turning vampires into humans. Rookery returns, but Tony's parents defeat him. As the comet passes, Rudolph's family disappears, leaving uncertainty. Later, Tony spots them in the village, now human, reuniting with his friends.
Thunderpants (2002)
Anna Popplewell acted as Denise Smash. The story surrounds Patrick Smash, who is born with two stomachs, Patrick Smash is cursed with uncontrollable and potent flatulence. His gaseous emissions are so powerful that they can blow people over. As he grows up, his father is forced to flee the home due to injuries caused by Patrick's destructive farts. Bullied at school, Patrick eventually embraces his condition, finding strength in it. With his friend Alan A. Allen, who lacks the ability to smell, they create Thunderpants, sturdy shorts to contain Patrick's emissions. When Alan mysteriously disappears, Patrick embarks on a journey to find him. Along the way, he gets recruited by an opera singer for a world tour, using the opportunity to search for his friend. Patrick discovers that Alan is assisting astronauts trapped in outer space, and his unique condition may be the key to helping them.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)
In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, Susan Pevensie is introduced as being born in 1928 and is 12 years old during the events of the story. She, along with her siblings, discovers the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. Gifted by Father Christmas, Susan receives a bow with arrows and a magical horn. Although crowned Queen Susan the Gentle after the battle against the White Witch, she is advised to stay out of future conflicts.
“Prince Caspian” sees Susan magically transported back to Narnia with her siblings. Described as gentle and tender-hearted, she actively participates in their adventures. In “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, Susan is absent as she accompanies her parents to America, while Peter receives tutelage from Professor Digory Kirke.
In "The Horse and His Boy”, set during their reign in Narnia, Susan's role is minor. She is proposed to make a diplomatic marriage to the Calormene Prince Rabadash, highlighting her diplomatic responsibilities.
However, in “The Last Battle”, Susan is noticeably absent. Peter mentions that she is "no longer a friend of Narnia," leaving her fate ambiguous and raising questions about her permanent exclusion from the magical realm.
Please note that this information is based on the events and character arcs as presented in C.S. Lewis's “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
FAQ - Anna Popplewell Movies And TV Shows
Is Anna Popplewell Still Acting?
After her role in Reign, Popplewell appeared in the short film "The Last Birthday" and then took a two-year hiatus from acting. In 2019, she made a comeback with the projects "You Are Here" and an appearance on the series "The Left Right Game." Her upcoming roles include "The Gallery" and "Fairytale," although release dates for these projects are yet to be announced.
Is Anna Popplewell In The Nun 2?
In September 2022, Storm Reid was cast as a new lead. In October 2022, Taissa Farmiga and Jonas Bloquet were confirmed to be reprising their roles from the first film, with Anna Popplewell and Katelyn Rose Downey added to the cast later that month.
How Old Is Susan From Narnia?
In the fictional character biography, Susan was born in 1928, making her 12 years old when she first appears in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." As the story progresses through the series, particularly in "The Last Battle," Susan reaches the age of 21, as the final novel unfolds in 1949.
How Old Was Anna Popplewell When She Played Susan?
At the age of 17, Popplewell landed her first significant role in the film "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005), portraying the character Susan Pevensie. Interestingly, she had a fear of mice, necessitating a body double to handle a part of her scene at the Stone Table in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
Who Does Susan Symbolise In Narnia?
In "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Susan Pevensie embodies a maternal figure for her siblings. Her character is characterised by practicality and caution, serving as the voice of common sense among the children.
Conclusion
Anna Popplewell stands as a multifaceted talent whose career journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From her breakout role as Susan Pevensie in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series to her forays into television with impactful characters like Chyler Silva in "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" and Lady Lola in "Reign," Popplewell has exhibited exceptional versatility. Her notable contributions extend to various movies and TV shows, showcasing her ability to immerse herself in diverse roles with compelling performances.
Her roots in a distinguished family, with a father serving as a Court of Appeal judge and a mother in dermatology, hint at the foundations of her success. A journey that began with drama classes at a young age led her to Oxford University, where she pursued studies in English Language and Literature, showcasing a commitment to academic pursuits alongside her acting career.
In her personal life, the joyous union with actor Sam Caird and the arrival of their daughter mark significant chapters in Popplewell's life.
Beyond acting, her exploration of the world of audiobooks, contributing to titles like "Dear Mrs. Bird," "Yours, Cheerfully," and more, further underscores her artistic range.
As Anna Popplewell continues to captivate audiences with her performances on screen and in the realm of storytelling, it's evident that her impact extends well beyond the magical landscapes of Narnia, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
James Pierce
Author
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
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