THE producers of a major new film about the Bronte family say they soon hope to make further progress on casting actors for the key remaining roles.

The film, called The Brontes, is being made by Yorkshire-based Clothworkers Films, and is due to be released in April next year.

Actors’ roles are being chosen by casting director Sarah Leung.

One of the actors announced so far is Matthew Lewis, who will play Branwell Bronte. Mr Lewis is well known for playing the part of Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.

Director David Anthony Thomas said he was expecting the rest of the selection process to be complete “within the next few months".

“A lot depends on the dynamics and interplay between the Brontes, both as family members and as chief protagonists, so that's where we've been focusing so far,” he said.

“The cast will be announced upon the completion of the casting process.

“The level of interest and anticipation has far surpassed our expectations, and it's unusual for a project at an early stage of development to achieve this level of excitement.

“It is very encouraging, and we look forward to building on this as we release more news over the coming months. We will be sharing our work with the thousands who've been following our progress so far.”