Oscar winner Anne Hathaway is revisiting a cult classic 2004 Disney film in an unexpected new role.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” star is set to executive produce a Disney+ adaptation of her hit film “Ella Enchanted.” Deadline reported the news.
Anne Hathaway Will Helm a Small-Screen Adaptation of Her Beloved 2004 Film
GettyDeadline reporter Nellie Andreeva reported that “Ella Enchanted” is in development at Disney+. The new project will be a television series based on the beloved movie.
Anne Hathaway will executive produce the series, which has not yet been confirmed. It is said to be written by “Anyone But You” screenwriter Ilana Wolpert. Additionally, Mirimax Television and Paramount Television Studios will co-produce. Beth Schwartz is the potential series showrunner.
Deadline writes, “The series, now in early stages of development, keeps the basic premise of the movie and Gail Carson Levine’s book it was loosely based on. It centers on the eponymous teen girl stuck with the unfortunate ‘gift’ of obedience.”
“But it’s pulling away from being largely a Cinderella retelling romantic fantasy by giving the story a coming-of-age feel with a boarding school setting, which is not in the film. Four chapters in Levine’s novel chronicle Ella’s stay at a boarding-style finishing school for girls, where she is mercilessly bullied but also finds a best friend.”
What Role Did Anne Hathaway Play in the Original ‘Ella Enchanted?’
Anne Hathaway played the lead role of Ella in the Mirimax Film “Ella Enchanted.”
This role came after the actress first joined the Disney family, starring in the 2001 film “The Princess Diaries.” Three years later, she played Ella, a young woman yearning to break free from a spell that forces her to obey. That same year, Hathaway reprised her film debut role in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”
In a 2004 interview, the “Ella Enchanted” star discussed her approach to embodying the beloved role. “I just wanted to make Ella as honest as possible. However, I wanted to make her very likeable. Just imagine how it would feel if you were a naturally free-spirited person. Being told you couldn’t do what you wanted to do.”
Additionally, Hathaway didn’t fear being typecast after a trio of princess roles. However, she looked forward to shaking “up the princess image a little bit.”
Following “The Princess Diaries,” “Ella Enchanted,” and “The Princess Diaries 2,” Hathaway completely changed gears with “Hoodwinked,” “Havoc,” and “Brokeback Mountain” before scoring the title role of Andrea Sachs in “The Devil Wears Prada.”
The actress starred in “Ella Enchanted” alongside Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Minnie Driver, Lucy Punch, Vivica A. Fox, Eric Idle, and Jennifer Higham.
Deadline did not share when the Anne Hathaway-produced small-screen version of “Ella Enchanted” would air on Disney+. Additional casting details and production information for the series have not yet been announced.
