Anne Hathaway’s ‘Ella Enchanted’ TV Series in Development at Disney+
Disney+ is moving forward with a new television adaptation of the 2004 cult fantasy film Ella Enchanted, as reported by Deadline. Although the project is in its early stages, it boasts notable creative talents, including Anne Hathaway as an executive producer.
This upcoming series draws inspiration from the original Miramax film, which was based on Gail Carson Levine’s beloved novel. The narrative centers on Ella of Frell, a teenage girl cursed at birth with the “gift” of obedience, compelling her to comply with any command given to her. In this fresh take, Ella finds herself at a boarding school following her mother’s death, where she begins to unravel the complexities of her curse, forges new friendships, and navigates a budding romance with a prince.
Deadline reports that the series is penned by Ilana Wolpert, known for Anyone But You, with Beth Schwartz serving as showrunner. The project is being produced by Miramax Television and Paramount Television Studios, alongside Hathaway and her production team.
This new adaptation aims to retain the essence of the original story while altering its tone and structure. Rather than a straightforward fairytale retelling, the series will delve into a coming-of-age narrative set within a boarding school. This backdrop is expected to provide a more relatable teenage perspective while still incorporating the fantasy elements of the curse and royal intrigue. The boarding school setting also draws parallels to other contemporary YA adaptations that reimagine classic tales in an academic environment.
Hathaway’s connection to this project is significant, given her long-standing relationship with Disney. She first collaborated with the company as a teenager in The Princess Diaries, which became a major hit and remains one of her most iconic roles.
Recently, Hathaway shared her thoughts on her Disney journey during a company event, stating, “Like so many of you, I was introduced to Disney as a child, learning how to dream and tell stories.” She also reflected on how The Princess Diaries played a pivotal role in shaping her career and opening doors for her in Hollywood.
Wolpert also brings valuable experience from her previous work with Disney, having contributed to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Schwartz adds further credibility with her background on shows like Arrow and Sweet Tooth, enhancing the project’s potential.
As the series is still in development, no release date has been confirmed yet. However, the involvement of Hathaway and the creative team has already sparked considerable interest, particularly among fans of the original film and book.