By Kristin Gaffney | Echo
"The Princess Bride" is Disney's latest theatrical adaptation, joining the ranks of other films-turned-musicals such as "The Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Mary Poppins." The story is based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the 1987 screenplay for the much-loved film version.
The deal was finalized between Disney Theatrical Productions and Alan Horn, the chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Variety reported. Horn previously worked at Castle Rock, a division of Warner Bros., where "Bride" was produced.
"My involvement in 'The Princess Bride' goes back to 1987, and it has always been close to my heart," Horn said, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "For all those years and a few more, I've been friends with the brilliant Bill Goldman, and to now have a stage production of this film in development at Disney is honestly a dream come true."
Disney hasn't revealed whether the adaptation will be a play or a musical. Little information has been released about the script or premier date.
The idea to bring "Princess Bride" to the stage is not a new one; 2007's "Princess Bride: The Musical" fell through due to budget reasons.
The plot revolves around Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the land and a humble farm girl. She falls in love with a farmhand, Westley-but when Westley goes out to sea, his ship is destroyed by the dread pirate Roberts. Afterward, the flamboyant Prince Humperdinck proposes to Buttercup and they are engaged. Then one afternoon Buttercup is kidnapped by a Sicilian thief, a swordsman and a giant. Swordfights, giant rodents, true love and revenge all weave together in this beloved fairy tale. The original cast featured Robin Wright as Princess Buttercup and Cary Elwes as Westley, as well as many actors who grew famous as a result of the production.
Though the film was originally a modest success, critics loved the film and the home video release turned it into a cult classic. Considered as iconic as "The Wizard of Oz," "The Princess Bride" is listed by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 greatest love stories on film, and the movie ranks in several other arenas, such as Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies."
