If we know anything about the Oscar nominated director Rob Marshall, it’s that he can put on a show. Bringing a stage show to life is what Rob Marshall does best, particularly his adpatations of ANNIE, CHICAGO (which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2003), and NINE (which was…well, nominated for a few Golden Globes). Not only that, but Marshall has had some success directing a drama (MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA) and an action epic (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES), regardless of reviews.
From Kander and Ebb, Marshall is now set to direct a Sondheim musical adaptation, produced by John DeLuca under their LUCAMAR Prods banner. The fantastical fairy tale and morality play INTO THE WOODS, with James Lapine, who wrote the original book for the musical, writing the screenplay. How flashy will Marshall’s take on Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel be? Who knows, but at least we can be sure of something memorable, and something filled with a little razzle dazzle.
“Rob Marshall brought his signature flair to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ with tremendous results and he is the perfect person to bring ‘Into the Woods’ to the screen,” Studio Chairman Rich Ross and President of Production Sean Bailey said in a statement. “We’ve loved working with Rob, and this is a great start to our collaboration with LUCAMAR.”
Check out the press release below and tell us your thoughts? Are you excited to see this? Do you think Marshall will do the material justice?
January 11, 2012 (Los Angeles) – LUCAMAR Productions Inks Multi-Year First-Look Deal With The Walt Disney Studios
Rob Marshall is set to direct a film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical “Into the Woods,” featuring Stephen Sondheim’s original music, for The Walt Disney Studios, to be produced by Marshall and John DeLuca through their production company LUCAMAR Productions. James Lapine, who wrote the stage musical with Stephen Sondheim, will adapt for the screen.
The project is in development under a new multi-year producing deal between Disney and LUCAMAR.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine on this extraordinary and inspiring work,” said Rob Marshall and John DeLuca. “We are greatly looking forward to continuing our creative and rewarding relationship with Rich Ross, Sean Bailey and the ever supportive team at Disney.”
Rob Marshall most recently directed Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which earned over $1 billion at the global box office and is the #8 highest grossing film of all time, the #3 film of 2011, and Disney’s biggest overseas release ever. It was the first “Pirates” film to be shot in 3D and the first major production at any studio to be shot in 3D on location. Marshall’s critically acclaimed stage musical adaptation “Chicago” (2002) grossed over $300 million worldwide and was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, winning six including best picture, with Marshall earning a nomination for best director. It also won the Golden Globe for best comedy/musical. His other feature films include “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), winner of three Academy Awards, and “Nine” (2009), which was nominated for four Academy Awards and five Golden Globes. Marshall is a four-time Emmy Award winner and a six-time Tony Award nominee, including choreographing and co-directing the 1998 Broadway revival of “Cabaret.”
