One of Disney’s longest-gestating live-action fairy tale projects has tasked Fifty Shades of Grey screenwriter Kelly Marcel with penning the movie’s script.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Marcel, whose credits include Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks, will write the script for the studio’s live-action film starring Cruella de Vil.
The news comes only a day after Disney set release dates for four mystery live-action fairy tales. These movies, whoever they may be about, are set for release on December 22, 2017, November 2, 2018, March 29, 2019, and November 8, 2019.
The timing of the two news stories is certainly suspect and may lead one to believe Disney is hoping to put Cruella on one of those four dates. THR notes that Disney is “fast-tracking” their Cruella film which may further hint at the studio’s intention to use one of the slots for the 101 Dalmatians antagonist. Time will tell!
This live-action Cruella has yet to cast its star, but chances are it won’t be 1996 Dalmatians star Glenn Close.
Word of this project first surfaced two years ago last week, making it one of the live-action adaptations Disney has been working on longest. Since then we’ve heard about several other rebirths for the studio’s properties including Aladdin, Mulan, Winnie the Pooh, and many more.
Next year Disney will release a live-action Jungle Book starring Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, and Neel Sethi. In 2017 they’ll unveil the much-anticipated Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens.