When James Bowen’s autobiographical A Street Cat Named Bob was published back in 2012, it warmed the hearts of readers all over the world, then went on to sell millions of copies (one million in the UK alone) and, crucially, helped change the public perception of homelessness.
The book told the story of Bowen’s struggle with addiction and of his time spent on the streets, in shelters and also in supported housing – but its focus was on his unexpected friendship with a certain ginger feline: the eponymous Bob.
After first meeting in 2007, when an injured Bob found his way into the supported housing complex where Bowen had been living, the pair went on to become inseparable – winning fans across London.
Now a new major motion picture is bringing the duo’s story to the big screen – and if the first trailer is anything to go by, the forthcoming adaptation has perfectly captured the blend of honesty, humour and moving real-life drama that made the original book (plus 2013 follow-up The World According to Bob) such a huge hit.
Luke Treadaway stars as busker and Big Issue seller Bowen – but when it came to the actual casting of the movie’s bewhiskered (and winningly, remarkably expressive) animal star, absolutely no substitute would do.
In the majority of the film’s scenes, Bob is played by none other than Bob himself.
A Street Cat Named Bob has been directed by Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies), and also stars Ruta Gedmintas, who plays Bowen’s friend and neighbor Belle, And also Joanne Froggatt as his support worker Val, and Anthony Head as his father, Nigel.
The film will be released on November 4, 2016.
Don't miss #StreetCatBob starring @LukeTreadaway and Bob himself, in cinemas from November 4th 🐱https://t.co/kWNrDLLGVc
— StreetCat Bob (@StreetCatBob) June 21, 2016
Sometimes it takes nine lives to save one.
