What's Happening?
Disney has announced that Akiva Schaffer will direct the live-action spinoff 'Stepsisters', a comedic take on the Cinderella story focusing on the villainous stepsisters. The screenplay will be penned by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, known for their work
on 'The Naked Gun' and 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers'. This project is part of Disney's ongoing strategy to produce live-action remakes of its classic animated films. The original script for 'Stepsisters' was written by Michael Montemayor, and the film will be produced by Ali Bell for Party Over Here, a production company founded by Schaffer and his Lonely Island colleagues. Disney's previous live-action Cinderella adaptation in 2015 was a box office success, grossing over $540 million globally.
Why It's Important?
The development of 'Stepsisters' underscores Disney's commitment to reimagining its classic animated films for a new generation. This strategy has proven financially successful, as seen with previous live-action adaptations like 'Lilo & Stitch' and the upcoming 'Moana'. By focusing on the stepsisters, Disney is exploring new narrative angles within familiar stories, potentially attracting both nostalgic audiences and new viewers. The involvement of Akiva Schaffer and the 'Naked Gun' writers suggests a comedic approach, which could differentiate 'Stepsisters' from other adaptations and expand Disney's appeal in the comedy genre.
