New Anne of Green Gables TV movie introduces younger Anne Shirley

One of literature's most beloved Canadian characters is coming back to life in the upcoming TV movie Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables.

The 2-hour movie, based on Montgomery'seight classicAnne of Green Gablesnovels, isslated to air onYTVin early 2016.

It's the first television adaptation of the books made in closepartnership withthe author's family, producers say.

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LucyMaudMontgomery's granddaughter, Kate MacDonald Butler, is serving as an executive producer on the project, which is being produced byBreakthrough Entertainment.

"It's like having Anne come home," saidPeterWilliamson,executive producer on the project and partneratBreakthrough Entertainment."It is a little different when you are working with somebody who is in the family," he told CBC News.

The script also references Before Green Gables, a prequel commissioned by Montgomery's estate, which tells the story of Anneas an orphan before she arrived at Green Gables.

MacDonald Butler, who had a hand developing the script, said her grandmother would be have approved.

"From the inspired casting, the tender script and its eloquent adherence to the story of Anne Shirley, my family is so proud to be associated with bringing Breakthrough's film adaptation to a new generation of viewers," MacDonald Butler said in a statement.

A cross-country search unearthed the young Canadian talent who will star asthe charismatic title character,Anne Shirley.

The spunky red head will by played by 13-year-oldEllaBallentine.

Williamson says there was something abouttheToronto-born actressthat really shonethrough.

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"She just lights up the screen," he said."She is a younger Anne ...but closer to the character's age in the book, so that works well andgives Anne afreshchildlike quality."

Movie fans might recognizeBallentine for her supportingwork with Susan Sarandon in 2014's The Calling. She'salso played Young Cosette andYoung Eponine in the 2013/2014Mirvishproductionof Les Misrables.

Production onLucyMaudMontgomery's Anne of Green Gables iscurrentlyunderway in Ontario and P.E.I.