Disney is getting all hands on-deck with their film slate. Once again diving into their Scrooge McDuck-style vault, that is full of popular intellectual properties primed for million dollar box-office glory. The latest license to win the live-action Disney lottery, is Winnie the Pooh.
Winnie the Pooh was created in 1926 by A.A. Milne in a series of stories and publications. Disney acquired the rights in the early 60’s and created a iconic films and television shows based on the property, which have been shared with multiple generations based on its timeless feel. The stories revolve around a young boy, Christopher Robin, and his collection of stuffed animals, who live in a nearby forest. The main cast includes Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Owl, Eeyore and more anthropomorphic animal friends. Deadline explains the plan to bring them to life, yet again.
Disney has hired Alex Ross Perry, the writer-director of the Sundance indie Listen Up Philip. The focus will be Christopher Robin as an adult, which brings him back to A.A. Milne’s famous bear and the Hundred Acre Wood.
Pooh loves the sweet taste of honey and Disney loves the sweet smell of money. Bringing this story to the big screen makes sense on many levels. The hiring of Perry is slightly unexpected and perhaps Disney is trying to balance the fantasy of seeing a teddy bear come to life, with some adult sensibilities. The formula has proven to work as recently as in this year’s Paddington, which exceeded most expectations and projections. It is also an interesting choice to focus on Christopher Robin as an adult, particularly because he was a point of identification for kids. The decision to have Robin grow up, will now give the adults and parents, an entry point into the fantastic world. This is a clear signal that there may be more depth and heart to the movie, than your typical Alvin and the Chipmunks flick. At least we can hope so…
It is safe to assume that Winnie the Pooh will be brought to life with computer generated imagery. Offering yet another opportunity to bring the bear with a serious honey addiction, to a new generation. A timetable was not given for the film’s release, since it seems that it is still in the scripting stages. We will be sure to bring you the latest on the release date and future casting of Winnie the Pooh as it develops.
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Source: IGN