The powerhouse studio is working on their version of the Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra novel first published in 1605.
The story follows Alanso Quixano, who is obsessed with tales of knights and chivalry. His grip on reality loosens and he begins to believe the stories are real. If you used to watch Wishbone, you’re probably already familiar with the story.
But this won’t be a Wishbone tale (unfortunately). Instead, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Gordon Gray and Billy Ray will be producing, with the latter also penning the script. He is best known for his work on The Hunger Games and Captain Phillips.
The tone of the original story is a bit whimsical, as the main character often finds himself in hilarious and embarrassing situations. According to THR, Disney plans to run with this idea, giving the film the Pirates of the Caribbean treatment.
There’s been no word on casting since the project is still in early development, but doesn’t this already sound like a great role for Johnny Depp? It’ll depend on if the actor is up for the role and how closely Disney wants the Don Quixote movie to feel like a Pirates film.
Don Quixote has seen many, many adaptations over the years, for both film and television, with the most recent being the long-suffering and oft-delayed The Man Who Killed Don Quixote from Director Terry Gilliam.
Apparently Gilliam has tried to make his film no less than eight times over the span of 17 years and it still hasn’t happened.
Perhaps the renewed spotlight on the Quixote story will inspire someone to back Gilliam’s project. In the meantime, Disney is moving ahead with their own version of the tale.