ENCHANTED 2 Moving Forward

Disney’s plan to recapture the magic that made them such a staple in family entertainment long ago is taking its next step.   Variety is reporting the studio has hired I AM SAM and FRED CLAUS screenwriter Jessie Nelson and dance-choreographer-turned-director Anne Fletcher to get a sequel to 2007’s ENCHANTED into theaters.

With much of the cast likely to return, the sequel will surely follow the continuing adventures of Giselle, a fairytale princess sent to the real world through the nefarious dealings of an evil witch.   Expect Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey to return for sure, and I would be surprised if James Marsden doesn’t come back, as well.

The first film is viewed as highly successful, pulling in $340 million in worldwide box office and garnering three Oscar nominations, all for Best Original Song.   The songs in the film were written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.   Expect them to return, also.

Fletcher is making a name for herself in the directing world, helming films like STEP UP and 27 DRESSES.   She really made waves last year with the Buena Vista/Disney-backed THE PROPOSAL, which was Sandra Bullock’s biggest opening for about five months until THE BLIND SIDE came out.   THE PROPOSAL ended up making $314 million worldwide, and Disney surely sees Fletcher and the ENCHANTED property as a good marriage.   I can’t say I disagree.