For those that like to celebrate the magic of Christmas I have exciting news for you! It looks like they have begun plans on a Nutcracker film! We get the glorious news from Variety:
John Turturro, Nathan Lane and Elle Fanning are set to star in a $65 million fantasy musical inspired by Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker,” to be directed by Russian helmer Andrei Konchalovsky.
Titled “Nutcracker — The Untold Story,” the movie is based on the fairy story that inspired the ballet. Tim Rice is contributing lyrics to eight new songs using Tchaikovsky’s scores, from “The Nutcracker” itself and from his concertos and symphonies. The movie starts shooting July 16 at Stern Film Studios in Budapest. Producer is Paul Lowin, with Moritz Borman acting as exec producer.
I have seen this ballet twice in my life. Once when I was a child for a school trip and once on my own volition with a lady friend. Ballet is not my bag, but I appreciate the ability to stretch your crotch and wear ridiculous outfits; even though I am not a fan, ballet will never be my enemy.
The nutcracker is a cool fairy tale. Any story involving a Rat-King will usually have me on board. Hungary is a magical land to film this and having John Turturro and Nathan Lane on board is huge. I am guessing this film will be released around Christmas and I can see it doing quite well.
