Lugano – More than two decades after becoming a fan favorite, “Ella Enchanted” is officially returning in a new form.
Disney+ is developing a television adaptation of the 2004 hit movie, with original star Anne Hathaway attached as executive producer.
The project is being developed by Disney+ alongside Miramax Television and Paramount Television Studios.
Rather than retelling the film scene for scene, the upcoming series is expected to take a different direction and draw more closely from Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
The storyline will continue to follow Ella of Frell, originally played by Hathaway, a teenage girl living under a magical curse that forces her to obey every command she is given.
In the new adaptation, Ella’s journey will take on more of a coming-of-age tone and include a boarding school setting, where she navigates friendship, bullying, self-discovery, and a growing connection with a prince.
The series will be written by Ilana Wolpert, known for her work on “Anyone but You” and ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” while Beth Schwartz will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
“Ella Enchanted” became a cult favorite despite receiving mixed reviews at the time. Starring Hathaway alongside Hugh Dancy, Minnie Driver, and Joanna Lumley, the film blended fantasy, comedy, and music into a modern fairytale that built a loyal following over the years.
The announcement also adds another familiar title to Hathaway’s growing list of returning projects, as the actor continues revisiting some of the roles and stories most closely connected to her career.
The actress recently reprised her role of Andrea Sachs in the fashion movie “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which released in theaters earlier this month.
No release date has been announced yet, and additional casting details remain under wraps, but the series marks another major revival of a beloved early 2000s title as studios continue investing in nostalgic reboots and literary adaptations.
