Live action adaptations of classic animated tales (as specific as that sounds) is becoming somewhat of a common occurrence. Fans have rushed to the theaters to see them, as Tim Burton’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND has proven, when it grossed over a billion dollars in the box office. Regardless of the critical approval, something about these films are filling the seats.
Disney’s next effort, MALEFICENT, once had Tim Burton attached to the project, but it looks like that is a thing of the past. The film is to focus on the titular evil fairy godmother whose casts the first spell on Sleeping Beauty.
Word is that David Yates, who is most well known for his phenomenal work directing the last half of the HARRY POTTER films, is on Disney’s radar is a possible replacement. It’s hard to imagine any other director tackling this film the way Burton can, but someone like Yates certainly has the skill to do it. Maybe Yates’ talent set could even help him surpass what Burton could have done.
Regardless, it isn’t exactly the direction I imagined Yates going after the POTTER series was done. He needs something epic, but I’d like to see him do something more original. However, he is only one name of many that Disney is sure to look at. I’m sure in the near future we will hear a more official update as to who might be helming the project.
John Mulhern Writes 