Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White adaptation Order of the Seven has found its director. The film, previously known as Snow White and the Seven, will be directed by Michael Gracey.
Order of the Seven will not be your typical Snow White retelling. The film, which has been in development since 2002, focuses on the seven dwarfs, but not the same ones that you remember from the 1937 animated film. These seven are described as a “19th century-set disparate band of international warriors belonging to a centuries-old order who have lost their way.” The film will be set in China, but the warriors will come from countries all over the world, and each will have their own unique fighting style, making this much more of an action film than a traditional fairytale. The group finds hope for redemption, however, when they meet an Englishwoman being chased by an ancient evil.
Gracey, who has previously worked as an animator for Happy Feet production company Animal Logic, is most known for his visual effects work, making him a logical choice for this film. With a background primarily in commercials and as a visual effects artist, it will be interesting to see how he handles a feature film. The film’s script has been penned by Toy Story 3 screenwriter Michael Arndt, and will be produced by Andrew Gunn. Production on the film is expected to start next year.
This is proving to be a surprisingly popular time for Snow White adaptations. Universal’s Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, and Charlize Theron will debut in theaters June 1, 2012. Relativity also has a currently-untitled Snow White film in the works, starring Lilly Collins as “Snow” and Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen. That film will make its debut March 16.
