Disney's back catalog of animated classics continues to get a workout in the live-action department, and who can blame the Mouse House when so many of their adaptations have proven successful? While it's maybe a bit distasteful that they seem to be looking to redo everything, Disney is also hiring some unexpected talent to spearhead some of these projects. David Lowery (Ain't Them Bodies Saints) is directing a live-action/CGI version of Pete's Dragon. And now another indie darling has come aboard to pen a new take on Winnie the Pooh.
Alex Ross Perry, who drew rave reviews from the art house crowd for Listen Up Philip, has signed to write a live-action Winnie the Pooh film. This will be a brand new story that will center on Pooh's human best friend, Christopher Robin, who returns to Pooh's home in the 100 Acre Wood as an adult.
A terrific but little-seen animated movie centering on the silly ol' bear hit theaters in 2011 directed by Don Hall (Big Hero 6), but only grossed $44M. A.A. Milne created Winnie the Pooh and his colorful animal friends in 1926, and they have been part of the Disney family since 1966. There's nothing Pooh loves more than honey and most of his mishaps involve it in some way.
An interesting move for Perry but if it hits Disney will be calling him back for more. He's currently putting the finishing touches on his next film, Queen of Earth.
