Disney is continuing the trend of delving into live-action territory and they are moving ahead with a rebooted version ofWinnie the Pooh, which will be calledChristopher Robin. The movie will center on the boy from theA.A. Milnebooks, but all grown up. So who will be tasked with bringing the world ofWinnie the Poohto life? Naturally, Disney has tappedWorld War ZdirectorMarc Forsterfor the project.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news thatMarc Forsterhas signed on to directorChristopher Robinfor Disney. It may seem strange that the guy who directed both theJames BondmovieQuantum of Solaceand theBrad Pittzombie movieWorld War Zis taking on alive-action Winnie the Poohmovie, but he does have a diverse resume. He also directedFinding NeverlandandThe Kite Runner. Here is how THR describesChristopher Robin.
“The story centers on Robin, theadult versionof the boy who in the A.A. Milne books shares his adventures with the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood. Robin has grown out of the joyful imagination he had as a young boy and is now a businessman who prioritizes work over his wife and daughter. With his home life on the brink, the last thing his life needs is the return of Pooh, who needs his help in finding his friends again. Robin has to find a way to help both sides or risk losing everything he holds dear.”
The news initially broke thatDisneywas planning this new take onWinnie the Poohearlier this year, following the success of their new version ofCinderellaas well asMaleficent. They are also planning a live-action version ofMulan, in addition to next year’sBeauty and the Beast. The studio was very encouraged to move forward with these live-action adaptations, given the tremendous success ofThe Jungle Bookearlier this year. The success of that movie also promoted Disney to green light a “reimagining” ofThe Lion Kingdone in the style ofThe Jungle Book.
Brigham Taylor, who producedThe Jungle Book, is producingChristopher Robinwith a script fromAlex Ross Perry, who doesn’t have any other credits to his name that are nearly as large as this.Kristen Burrwill be overseeing this live-actionWinnie the Poohmovie for Disney, but it will beMarc Forster’s vision for it. At the very least, a guy with a resume that diverse is an interesting choice. Disney rarely makes any missteps these days, so it is fairly safe to assume they know what they are doing.
Marc Forstermost recently directed the dramaAll I See Is You, which is coming out next year. Disney currently hasn’t set a release date forChristopher Robin, but with a director now on board the project should start moving forward. What remains to be seen is if this will be a tremendous success likeAlice In Wonderland, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, or a bit of a failure likeAlice Through the Looking Glass, Which only made $299 million. We will be sure to keep you up to date as more details on the project become available.
