A director has been chosen for Disney’s upcoming live-action take on the Sword in the Stone: they want Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Intruders, 28 Weeks Later). Right now, he is in final talks to direct this new version of the animated film, which was originally made over half a century ago, the The Hollywood Reporter reveals. Potentially, considering the source material’s elements of song, Fresnadillo might also be directing a musical.
Adding to this potentially more thematically darker choice of film creators, Bryan Cogman penned the script for the adaptation of the animated Disney film. He both produces and writes for the medieval-esque HBO show Game of Thrones, making him an interesting but not completely unconventional choice for the role. Given the darker fantasy backgrounds of the writer and the director, one could assume that this will be a more mature take on the story. The original involved more comedic and fantastical elements surrounding the young protagonist, who would one day become King Arthur. The youth was transformed into a fish and a sparrow by Merlin before he effortlessly pulled out the legendary sword from where it was encased in stone and anvil.
Considering their backgrounds, it will certainly be interesting to see Fresnadillo and Cogman’s take on this classic Disney property. They’ve both enjoyed success in their fields, so this could be a more complexly-arranged and enjoyable movie than the company is used to producing.
As of now, there is no specified release date for the film.