New Stage Work to Be Based on William Goldman’s Acclaimed Novel and the Beloved 1987 Film
Disney Theatrical Productions will develop The Princess Bride as a stage work, it was announced today by Disney Theatrical Productions president and producer, Thomas Schumacher.
The novel The Princess Bride, penned in 1973 by two-time Academy Award® winning author William Goldman, was adapted for its motion picture release in 1987 and quickly established itself a romantic comedy classic. The new theatrical work will be based on both his acclaimed novel and his screenplay, which garnered a nomination for the WGA (Writers Guild of America) Award and a ranking on that organization’s list of 101 Best Films of All Times. Norman Lear served as the film’s executive producer.
The new deal, shepherded by Alan Horn, who was closely involved with the film during his tenure at Castle Rock, allows Disney Theatrical Productions to begin the title’s development process for the stage. The creative team and development timetable for the project have yet to be determined.
“My involvement in The Princess Bride goes back to 1987 and it has always been close to my heart. For all those years and a few more, I’ve been friends with the brilliant Bill Goldman, and to now have a stage production of this film in development at Disney is honestly a dream come true. It couldn’t be in better hands than those of the experienced Disney Theatrical team led by Tom Schumacher,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.
“The Princess Bride has proven to be an enduring delight and a beloved favorite to multiple generations,” said Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. “What William Goldman created is first and foremost a celebration of storytelling; what better place to spin that tale than on the stage?”
“I am thrilled that the next chapter in the life of The Princess Bride will unfold on the stage. With Alan Horn, Thomas Schumacher and his team at Disney Theatrical Productions leading the way, Buttercup, Westley and all of Florin are in the best of hands,” said author, William Goldman.