Anne Hathaway has closed a deal to star as the Grand High Witch in Robert Zemeckis and Warner Bros.’ ‘The Witches’ adaptation.
Previously, Hathaway was holding the offer for both that and ‘Sesame Street.’ At the time, scheduling for both films were holding up dealmaking. With those issues settled, Hathaway will star in the role originally portrayed by Anjelica Huston in the 1990 classic.
Based on the 1973 novel, the film follows a 7-year-old boy who has a run in with real-life witches. Warner Bros. had previously adapted the book in 1990 with Huston playing one of the title characters. But, sources close to the project say Zemeckis’ version will be more rooted in the original source material. In comparison, the Huston film was a loose adaptation.
Hathaway is currently filming the untitled DuPont film at Participant. Hathaway and WB are coming off their summer hit ‘Ocean’s 8,’ the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ spin-off. Up next for Hathaway, the thriller ‘Serenity’ and the comedy ‘The Hustle.’ She recently wrapped production on the Netflix drama ‘The Last Thing He Wanted.’
Zemeckis will also pen the script. He will produce with Jack Rapke, Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro.
The setting of ‘The Witches’ is Alabama during the year of 1969. Production will begin this April in the United Kingdom with secondary locations taking place in the United States. The states of Alabama or Georgia are expected filming locations.
There should be more casting announcements named within the next couple months..
Warner Bros. has yet to reveal an official release date for ‘The Witches.’
Source: Variety and HN Entertainment