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Disney’s adding one more movie to its lineup of live-action remakes: 1996’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Now entitled Hunchback, the musical will pull from both the animated film and the original Victor Hugo novel — but not the stageplay created by returning songwriters Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.
Both Menken and Schwartz worked on the music for the animated Disney film. Joining Menken and Schwartz will be Tony-award winning playwright David Henry Hwang, who is set to pen the script. Hwang previously worked on Aida, an Elton John and Tim Rice collaboration produced by Walt Disney Theatrical Productions. Hunchback will be produced by Mandeville films, along with Josh Gad (Frozen’s Olaf).
According to Deadline, Mandeville founder David Hoberman, had tried to bring The Hunchback of Notre Dame to Hollywood for over 30 years, starting when he was Disney film president. This led to the animated film and a limited series on ABC.
While no casting news has been officially announced, it is rumored that co-producer Gad will play the titular hunchback.
Just in 2019, Disney plans to release live-action renditions of Dumbo, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Also on the slate are a Cruella De Vil origin story and remakes of Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, and Lilo and Stitch.
