Taskmaster favourite confirmed for new British movie about real-life “haunted” painting

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Susan Wokoma, known from Taskmaster season 16, will be starring in a new British film inspired by a true story about a painting believed to be haunted. She’ll be joined by Jessie Cave, famous for her role in Harry Potter, in the movie Curse in a Frame, produced by New State Pictures.

This movie tells the true story of a painting bought in 2023 from a charity shop in Hastings. It was said to be cursed – previous owners claimed it brought them bad luck and had to return it twice.

According to Variety, the upcoming film—the first feature from director Maria Pawlikowska—is a compelling story about faith, drive, and the bonds of friendship. It explores what happens when a small, local event unexpectedly captures worldwide attention.

Pawlikowska explained she was drawn to the intriguing and unusual concept behind Curse in a Frame, believing it offered a chance to blend different styles, genres, and formats in a way that feels current and relevant.

Honestly, I was really drawn into this game because of the characters – they feel like real people, but they’re dropped into this totally fantastical, mythological world. That mix of modern personalities and ancient lore was super interesting, and it created this great space for a story about things like friendship, how far people will go to achieve their goals, what they believe in, and the consequences of their actions. It felt like a classic story, but with a fresh twist.

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Producer Ana Emdin explained that they were attracted to Curse in a Frame because of its unique story and the existing folklore surrounding it.

The film was a unique mix of humor and unease, and its energy quickly spread. Collaborating with the incredibly talented Maria Pawlikowska, we took a small idea and developed it into something much bigger and more daring. What really amazed us was how our fantastic cast brought the story to life and took it to a whole new level.

Producer Yan Fisher explained that the appeal of Curse in a Frame lies in its unique combination of specificity and broad appeal. While the story is firmly set in Britain, the core idea is easy for anyone to understand, and the show has a lively, modern, and fun feel.

“It is exactly the kind of original genre film that can cut through internationally.”

The cast also includes Velvet Brown from Troubleshooting, Kaja Chan from 1899, Michael Kinsey from Three Day Millionaire, and Michael Brandon from Dempsey and Makepeace.

Curse in a Frame is now in post-production after being filmed in Hastings.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautifully illustrated 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-04 23:20