Does the world need a new version of Snow White? Has that particular well of dwarves, princes, witches and apples not run dry?
Apparently not, for screenwriter Evan Daugherty, director Rupert Sanders and producer Joe Roth are doing the rounds in Hollywood, touting their new version of the story and looking for a finance deal. The script is currently titled “Snow White and the Huntsman” and although apparently the traditional elements of the story are still there, the Huntsman (who is supposed to take Snow White into the woods and kills her but instead releases her) will be a more prominent role, acting as a mentor and teacher (though not a love interest).
After the staggering, $1bn-surpassing success of Alice in Wonderland, apparently studios are scrambling for well-recognised stories in the public domain that they can latch onto. Disney, who already have their own Snow White project (Snow White and the Seven) in development, are also developing an Angelina Jolie-starring retelling of Sleeping Beauty, called Maleficent, as well as another version of Cinderella. Warner Bros meanwhile, are rebooting Red Riding Hood.
Whether this shameless display of bandwagoning will produce another Alice in Wonderland-sized success, or simply a load of moderately successful cash-ins, we have yet to see. The writer/director/producer team are taking their show on the road with the usual assortment of Hollywood studios and we will let you know as soon as we hear of a deal being struck.
What do you think? Too much of a good thing? Too repetitive? Or is it nice to see familiar stories reworked? Share your thoughts below.
