Eddie Redmayne’s first post-Oscar project has been announced: he is to join the cast of the new Thomas the Tank Engine movie, Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Having won the best actor Oscar for playing Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, Redmayne is voicing the role of Ryan, a new engine character who, according to the Thomas the Tank Engine wikia is “overconfident and dismissive” and “takes over for Thomas when Thomas is sent to work on another branch line”.

In a statement, Redmayne said: “I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and what fun it was ... I have never voiced an animated character before, and I had a complete blast.”

Redmayne’s co-stars in Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure include John Hurt, who provides the voice of Sailor John, and Jamie Campbell Bower who takes on the sailing vessel Skiff. Hurt said: “Sailor John was something of a departure from what I usually do and a lot of fun to play.”

Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure will run at around 60 minutes, and will be the second longer-length Thomas special to be released this year, following the 45-minute The Adventure Begins, due for the spring. Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure is scheduled for DVD and VOD release in September, but like 2014’s Take of the Brave is likely also to have a short cinema run.