Official first look image and press release.
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Disney’s ‘Into the Woods’ kicked off production last week, featuring an award-winning production team and all-star ensemble cast. Rob Marshall, the talented filmmaker behind the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Chicago’ and Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,’ helms the film, which is based on the Tony-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics—including an all-new song for the big-screen adaptation. ‘Into the Woods’ is produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, ‘Wicked’ producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall. Shooting in studio and on location throughout England, the film is slated for a December 2014 release.
‘Into the Woods’ is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.
The all-star ensemble cast includes Meryl Streep (‘The Iron Lady,’ ‘August: Osage County’), Emily Blunt (‘Looper,’ ‘The Young Victoria’), James Corden (‘The History Boys,’ ‘One Chance’), Anna Kendrick (‘Pitch Perfect,’ ‘Up in the Air’), Chris Pine (‘Star Trek Into Darkness,’ ‘Jack Ryan’), Johnny Depp (‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ ‘The Lone Ranger’), Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone (‘Les Misérables’), Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski (‘Mamma Mia!,’ ‘The Good Wife’), MacKenzie Mauzy (‘Brother’s Keeper’), and Billy Magnussen (‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ‘The East’).
Celebrated actors from the stage and screen fill the supporting roles, including Tammy Blanchard (‘Blue Jasmine,’ ‘The Good Shepherd’), Lucy Punch (‘Bad Teacher,’ ‘Dinner for Schmucks’), Richard Glover (‘Sightseers,’ ‘St. Trinian’s’), Frances de la Tour (‘Hugo,’ ‘Alice In Wonderland’), Simon Russell Beale (‘The Deep Blue Sea’), Joanna Riding (‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘Carousel’), and Annette Crosbie (‘Calendar Girls,’ ‘The Slipper and the Rose’).
The big-screen adaptation welcomes songs from the stage musical, including “Children Will Listen,” “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone” and “Agony,” among others. Additionally, Sondheim has penned an all-new song for the story’s theatrical debut.
‘Into the Woods’ premiered on Broadway on Nov. 5, 1987, at the Martin Beck Theatre. The production, which ran for 764 performances, won Tony® Awards for best score, best book and best actress in a musical. Among other awards, the musical received five Drama Desk awards, including best musical. ‘Into the Woods’ has been produced around the world, including a 1988 U.S. tour, a 1990 West End production, Broadway and London revivals, in addition to a television production, DVD recording and a 10-year-anniversary concert.