Disney’s ‘Nutcracker’ Movie Plans Major Reshoots, Joe Johnston to Direct Instead of Lasse Hallstrom
Disney is planning a massive 32 days of additional photography on the ballet-inspired fantasy movie “Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
In addition, the studio is bringing in “Captain America: The First Avenger” director Joe Johnston to direct the reshoots instead of original filmmaker Lasse Hallstrom.
The film, based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic “Nutcracker” Christmas tale, is still targeting a holiday 2018 release. But the studio is clearly rethinking the film after wrapping the shoot last spring and showing a trailer at its D23 convention in July.
Also Read: Disney's 'Nutcracker and the Four Realms' Sets Fall 2018 Release, Bumping Live-Action 'Mulan'
Hallstrom was unavailable due to scheduling issues but he will be involved with postproduction, according to the studio insider. The director, a three-time Oscar nominee whose most recent release was last winter’s “A Dog’s Purpose,” is not publicly attached to any other projects.
A rep for Hallstrom did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Tom McCarthy (“Spotlight”) wrote the material for the reshoots.
Mackenzie Foy stars as Clara, a girl who receives the titular Nutcracker toy and is asked to take special care of it. The film also stars ABT ballerina Misty Copeland, Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeyer, a clockmaker and inventor, and Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Helen Mirren and Eugenio Derbez also appear.
Also Read: Helen Mirren Joins Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman in Disney's 'The Nutcracker'
“The Nutcracker” has been a popular ballet since it was adapted to the stage in 1892, which was based on Hoffman’s classic story.
Mark Gordon is the project’s producer and Lindy Goldstein is executive producing.
“Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is slated for November 2, 2018.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news about the reshoots.
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