Reese Witherspoon has been set to play Tinker Bell in the upcoming live-action film from Disney titled ‘Tink’, which follow the story of the popular pixie from ‘Peter Pan.’
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the ‘Wild’ actress will join the film, which has been planned as a new version based on the timeline and concept of the 1904 play ‘Peter Pan’ by JM Barrie and the 1911 novel ‘Peter and Wendy.’ Disney then plans to put forward an untold story about the classic fairy.
The studio garnered considerable success in the box office last year, thanks to a similar take on ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with which the villain, played by Angelina Jolie, and how her character came to be was highlighted in ‘Maleficent.’
The new movie ‘Tink’ will be based on a script written by Victoria Sprouse, who has also worked on the upcoming ‘Finding Nemo’ sequel from Pixar titled ‘Finding Dory.’
Disney’s latest live-action film may have been rushed onto the studio’s slate following the announcement of rival studio Twentieth Century Fox’s own version of Tinker Bell this November.
Even Warner Bros.’ take on the pixie character’s story will reportedly star Melissa McCarthy (‘Bridesmaids’) and will be helmed by Shawn Levy (‘Night of the Museum’) based on a screenplay by Nicholas Stoller (‘Bad Neighbors’).
Despite adopting the Tinker Bell character as its own since it released the classic 1953 animated take on ‘Peter Pan’, Disney does not own the rights as Barrie’s novel went out of copyright within the U.S. years ago.
As suggested by The Guardian, providing a high-profile version of the Tinker Bell story may lead to Fox’s need of re-evaluating its own film’s financial viability.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. was obliged to set back the release of their live action ‘Jungle Book’ movie titled ‘Jungle Book: Origins’ after Disney announced its plans of having a remake as well.
Furthermore, according to the Hollywood Reporter, lower budget could be allocated for ‘Tink’ as compared to films such as ‘Maleficent’ and the latest take on ‘Cinderella.’ However, with Witherspoon taking on the leading role, this may suggest that the film would have to amount to higher expenses.
Disney first attained success in live-action versions of fairy tale classics when it released ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in 2010, helmed by Tim Burton and grossed over $1 billion in the global box office.
Similarly, Kenneth Branagh’s take on ‘Cinderella’ has become a commercial success and grossed over $500 million worldwide.
Upcoming live-action remakes on ‘Pinocchio’, ‘Mulan’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ have also been placed on Disney’s upcoming slate.
