Ella Enchanted TV reboot in the works at Disney+

Ella of Frell is heading back onto our screens – but not quite as you remember her. According to Deadline, Disney+ is developing a new Ella Enchanted TV series, reimagining the cult 2004 fairy-tale film as a coming-of-age adventure with a boarding school twist.

Anne Hathaway is back in the kingdom too, this time behind the camera as an executive producer alongside an impressive creative team. Plot details are still under wraps, but expect curses, crushes and plenty of chaotic homework.

What is the Ella Enchanted TV series about?

Per the outlet, the series, which is now in early stages of development, 'keeps the basic premise of the movie and Gail Carson Levine’s book it was loosely based on - it centres on the eponymous teen girl stuck with the unfortunate 'gift' of obedience. But it’s pulling away from being largely a Cinderella retelling romantic fantasy by giving the story a coming-of-age feel with a boarding school setting, which is not in the film.'

It adds: 'Four chapters in Levine’s novel chronicle Ella’s stay at a boarding-style finishing school for girls where she is mercilessly bullied but also finds a best friend. The boarding school backdrop of Ella Enchanted also echoes Wednesday‘s reframing of the Addams Family lore.'

What was the original film about?

The original Ella Enchanted film, released in 2004, followed Ella as she battled the curse of obedience while crossing a fairytale kingdom filled with giants, elves and wicked relatives. The movie loosely adapted Levine’s book, leaning into a Cinderella-flavoured fantasy with a strong romantic storyline and a happily-ever-after with a prince.

It starred Anne Hathaway in the title role, with Hugh Dancy as Prince Charmont and Mia Farrow as Ella’s fairy godmother, while Lucy Punch and Jennifer Higham played her dreadful stepsisters, Hattie and Olive. The movie loosely adapted Gail Carson Levine’s book, leaning into a Cinderella-flavoured fantasy with a strong romantic storyline and a happily-ever-after with a prince.

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Who is behind the TV series?

Anne Hathaway is on board as an exec producer for the series, returning to the world that helped define her early career but this time from behind the scenes. She produces alongside her husband Adam Shulman and Johnathan Rice via Somewhere Pictures, and iGen Studios, the company behind Netflix YA hit My Life with the Walter Boys.

The series is written by Ilana Wolpert, whose credits include Anyone But You and Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Beth Schwartz, known for work on Arrow, Sweet Tooth and Dead Boy Detectives, serves as showrunner and executive producer.

When is it out?

Right now, Ella Enchanted is in the early stages of development at Disney+, so there’s no release date yet. According to the outlet, the project has been 'landed for development' by the streamer, meaning the team is still shaping scripts and the series format before it can move towards casting, production and an official release window.

Where can I watch it?

The new TV series is being developed for Disney+, while Ella Enchanted the film is currently streaming on the platform.

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