Ten years ago, the then relatively unknown filmmaker Paul King dedicated himself to the British children’s book icon Paddington and brought a live-action reboot to the cinema that has become more popular with each passing year. With Paddington 2 at the latest, King got his place in film history earned.
But the Paddington films are not the only fantasy reinvention that the talented director and screenwriter has brought to the screen. Just last year he thrilled audiences with the lovingly crafted musical adventure Wonka, which tells the back story of the idiosyncratic chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka.
Now King’s next fantasy project has been announced.
New fantasy blockbuster: After Paddington and Wonka, Paul King brings Prince Charming to the cinema for Disney
As Deadline reports, King is developing a live-action film for Disney that revolves around one of the most famous fairy-tale characters, who has never received her own film: Prince Charming. In the Disney context he is best known from stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella.
The often cliché-laden and controversial figure of the knight in white armor was already gleefully dissected in the second Shrek film. It is unclear which approach King chooses for his Prince Charming interpretation. But it probably won’t be a radical fairytale reckoning à la Chantal in Fairytale Land.
King’s filmography suggests that he is one fragile core discovered in the character, who often becomes the target of ridicule and scorn, not to mention the criticism that hails due to the outdated role model. Nowadays no princess is waiting for her prince charming. Damsel and The Princess send their regards.
In any case, we can expect a bit of Paddington magic: King teams up once again with Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker, who were already involved in the fantasy adventures about the friendly bear. According to Deadline, it is an independent project that has nothing to do with Cinderella and Co.
When does the Prince Charming film start in cinemas?
The Prince Charming film has not officially received a theatrical release yet. However, it looks like King doesn’t have any other projects in the pipeline, which means he can get straight to work. Four years ago he was with the monster comedy Everyday Parenting Tips associated. There has been no update since then.
If production on the Prince Charming film actually starts soon, the fantasy adventure could Coming to the cinema in 2027. The third Paddington film starts on January 30, 2025. However, King is no longer involved as a director. It is currently unclear whether Wonka will receive a sequel.