Disney's fairy-tale movie trend won't spark out of existence anytime soon. A slate of new magical tales is set to hit the box office over the next two years. These arrivals include the likes of a new Disney princess named Anna, a live-action adaptation of the musical "Into the Woods," and live-action takes of both "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty."
The growing trend of childhood fairy-tales-turned-movies continues after the release of "Alice in Wonderland" in 2010, "Snow White and the Huntsman" in 2012, and "Jack the Giant Slayer," "Oz the Great and Powerful" and "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" in 2013.
See the following list for more information on Disney's newest princess and its upcoming fairy-tale adaptations.
'Into the Woods'
"Into the Woods" intertwines the plots of a number of Brothers Grimm fairy tales, including "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel" and "Cinderella." The plot revolves around a baker and his wife who wish to have a child. In their desperation, they strike a deal with an evil witch who casts a spell on them.
The Broadway musical was written by Stephen Sondheim and is notable for winning three Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical and for being nominated for several additional awards.
Disney's take on the story, which explores the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests, includes a number of notable actors. Johnny Depp will star as the wolf, Meryl Streep as the witch and Jake Gyllenhaal as Cinderella's prince. The film is set for release in December 2014.
'Frozen'
"Frozen," Disney's latest princess movie, is set to come out in November 2013. The film follows the epic journey of Anna the Ice Princess.
A "fearless optimist," Anna teams up with a rugged mountain man to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose powers have unintentionally trapped the Kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter, according to IMDB.com.
This Nordic-inspired film features the voices of Kristen Bell as Anna, Idina Menzel as Elsa and Jonathan Groff as the mountain man.
Disney has yet to release an official trailer for the film, but a "first look" YouTube trailer about two of the characters has had more than 2.8 million views since its release on June 18. Another Japanese trailer also hit YouTube showing footage of the movie itself.
'Cinderella'
Disney's re-imaging of the classic 1950 animated "Cinderella" into a live-action film stays true to the original story but with a few twists. In the live-action version, the prince is set for a politically arranged marriage, but the evil plan is foiled when he meets Cinderella.
The new version will also reveal more of Cinderella's back-story, and the Fairy Godmother will start the film as a beggar watching over Cinderella before revealing her magical talents.
Several prominent names are attached to the film, which is set for release in March 2015. Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series, will play the Fairy Godmother; Cate Blanchett, known for her role as Galadriel in "The Lord of the Rings" series, is cast as Lady Tremaine; while Sophie McShera and Lily James of "Downton Abbey" fame will play the roles of Drizella and Cinderella, respectively. Additionally, Kenneth Branagh, most notable as the director of "Thor," will direct this adaptation of "Cinderella."
'Maleficent'
In Disney's "Maleficent," the classic story of "Sleeping Beauty" is told from the perspective of the princess' evil nemesis, Maleficent.
Starting Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Princes Aurora, the film is slated for release in July 2014.
'Jungle Book'
On July 9, The Hollywood Reporter said Disney is in the early stages of making a live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling.
Kipling's book is a set of fables based in India, mostly focusing on a young boy named Mowgli who was raised by wolves. Disney adapted the book for an animated film in 1967, the last that Walt Disney oversaw before his death.
According to The Hollywood Reporter article, only the bare necessities are in place at this point. So far, Disney has the idea and the writer. Justin Marks, who penned an early draft of Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" reboot, which is still in its early stages, is working on the script.
'The Beast'
According to an article published by Dateline.com, Disney is reportedly in talks to reinvent the classic 1991 animated "Beauty and the Beast" as a live-action film titled "The Beast."
Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro is working on an unrelated "Beauty and the Beast" adaptation called "Beauty," with Harry Potter's Emma Watson signed on as the beauty. According to Variety, Watson turned down the starring role in Disney's upcoming production of "Cinderella" due to scheduling conflicts with "Beauty."
Disney to debut new princess, fairytales and more
Disney's "Frozen" first-look trailer.
Disney to debut new princess, fairytales and more
Disney's "Frozen" Japanese trailer.
Email: ajones@desnews.com