Disney is essentially emptying its round of clips lately; not only did it acquire Lucasfilm and put “Star Wars” in production, but it’s also charging ahead with Marvel’s second wave of Avengers films and a sequel to “Tron: Legacy.” Now comes word that the studio is moving ahead with a follow-up to another 2010 film, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
The studio has tapped the screenwriter of that film, Linda Woolverton, to return and pen the sequel. Woolverton’s history with Disney is extensive, as she also wrote “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” and “Maleficent” for the studio.
She’s been no stranger to Wonderland lately, too, as she’s also helped to develop a stage version of the 2010 film that’s set to be directed by Rob Ashford.
The sequel to “Alice in Wonderland” is being kept under wraps at the moment, but the first film was already culled from both the original “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and its sequel, “Through the Looking Glass,” which found Alice returning to Wonderland.
Compared to Disney’s announcement concerning a follow-up to “Tron: Legacy,” this move is a bit less unexpected and risky. Whereas the “Tron” sequel opened to lukewarm success with critics and movie-goers, “Alice in Wonderland” was a massive box office hit. In fact, it might be the most quiet billion dollar grosser in movie history.
As such, it’s not surprising to see Disney capitalize on it despite its mediocre reception by critics. Money talks louder than negative reviews in this business.
Of course, the big question marks surround the other talent involved. Will Tim Burton retreat back to Wonderland after “Frankenweenie” found critical success without an impressive box office take? And will Mia Wasikowska return to the role of Alice?
Johnny Depp is also a critical factor, and, given his working relationship to Disney in recent years, it would be surprising if the studio doesn’t take a run at luring him back too.
