Disney Awakes 'Sleeping Beauty' For Enchanting New Live-Action Project!
Disney is developing a new <em>Sleeping Beauty</em> project, with director Dan Trachtenberg attached, known for his work in sci-fi and horror. This adaptation will offer a fresh take on the classic tale, distinct from the <em>Maleficent</em> films. The news comes as Disney continues to explore its vast animated catalog for new cinematic ventures.
Disney is set to revitalize its extensive animated catalog with a new project centered around one of its most cherished classics, Sleeping Beauty.
This new endeavor promises a fresh perspective on the timeless tale, distinctly separate from the recent Maleficent film series.
Notably, an accomplished director known for his work in science fiction, action, and horror genres, Dan Trachtenberg has been attached to direct, a surprising choice given the fairy-tale subject matter.
His involvement follows his success in reviving the Predator franchise, which Disney acquired through its purchase of 20th Century Fox.
The story for this new Sleeping Beauty project was conceived by Trachtenberg alongside Rayna McClendon, with the script penned by Alex Anfanger and Dan Schimpf. This creative team signals a potentially unique and unexpected direction for the beloved narrative.
The original animated feature, released in 1959, faced a challenging journey to production and initial reception.
His work began in 1950, undergoing numerous iterations before its release. Walt Disney himself was insistent on differentiating it from previous studio fairy tales, opting for a highly stylized art direction.
While this choice led to considerable production delays, it ultimately resulted in a uniquely visually striking film.
Despite its artistic merits, Sleeping Beauty opened to mediocre reviews and box office performance, only to earn significant critical and audience appreciation in the years since.
Prior to this new project, the Sleeping Beauty story was re-imagined through the lens of its iconic villainess in Maleficent (2014) and its sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), both starring Angelina Jolie.
These films explored the narrative from the evil fairy's perspective, but the upcoming Trachtenberg-helmed project is explicitly not connected to them.
The core story of Sleeping Beauty revolves around Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Maleficent for not being invited to her christening. The curse dictates that on her 16th birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle and die.
Benevolent fairy guardians weaken the curse, causing Aurora to fall into an unending sleep instead, which can only be broken by true love's kiss. Maleficent, however, vigilantly works to prevent this awakening.
This new development at Disney, with Dan Trachtenberg at the helm, hints at a compelling and perhaps darker reinterpretation of the classic tale.
As the audiences are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates from Collider regarding this highly anticipated film.