Per Deadline, Disney is developing a new musical comedy titled Penelope, a modern and unique twist on the classic fairy tale The Princess and The Pea.
Further plot details are under wraps right now, as the film is only in early development. This will be the studio’s first adaptation of a classic fairy tale since The Princess and The Frog thirteen years ago. Sources say Penelope being developed for a theatrical release rather than direct-to-Disney+.
Robert Sudduth is writing the script while Will Gluck is producing via his Olive Bridge banner. Original music for the film will be written by singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and Broadway superstar Larry O’Keefe.
Sudduth has worked extensively in television, most recently as a co-executive producer on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and another upcoming musical project: the Paramount+ Grease prequel, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.
On the film side he’s also developing ensemble Latina drama Tias for Universal, which will star Eva Longoria and Will Packer.
Gluck already has a connection to Disney, as he’s developing a live-action adaptation of animated classic The Aristocats for the studio.
Other upcoming Disney projects that are not live-action remakes of their animated classics and are intended for a theatrical release include animated sci-fi adventure Strange World, a new film version of Disneyland theme park attraction Haunted Mansion, and Pixar co-production Elemental.
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