"Finding Neverland" filmmaker Marc Forster is in negotiations to direct "Christopher Robin," the live-action adaptation of Disney's classic cartoon "Winnie the Pooh." "Queen of Earth" actor-writer Alex Ross Perry is also penning the script.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Christopher Robin" is Disney's live-action fantasy project centering on the human character in "Winnie the Pooh." It is described as having strong elements of magical realism as it seek to tell an emotional journey with heartwarming adventure.
"Christopher the Robin" will follow an adult version of the little boy who befriends a lovable bear in the celebrated A.A. Milne books, Variety reported. There are reports that it will share similarities with Seth MacFarlane's fantasy-buddy film "Ted." However, it centers more on family fun than vulgarities.
In the plot of "Christopher Robin," Robin shares his adventures with the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood. He has grown out of the joyful imagination he had as a young boy and is now a businessman who prioritizes work over his wife and daughter.
With Robin's home life on the brink, the last thing his life needs is the return of Winnie the Pooh, who requires his help in finding his friends again. Robin has to find a way to help both sides or risk losing everything he holds important.
"Christopher Robin" will be produced by "The Jungle Book" producer Brigham Taylor with Kristin Burr overseeing for the Disney studio. Another similar project "Goodbye Christopher Robin" is also in the works at Fox Searchlight starring Margot Robbie and Domhnall Gleeson.
The character of Winnie the Pooh was created by author Milne for a collection of stories in the books "Winnie-the-Pooh" (1926) and "The House at Pooh Corner" (1928). Disney licensed the rights to the bear in 1961, leading to TV shows and four feature films such as "The Tigger Movie," "Piglet's Big Movie," "Pooh's Heffalump Movie," and "Winnie the Pooh."
Forster stepped into Disney territory when he directed the 2004 drama "Finding Neverland" that focused on Peter Pan creater J.M. Barrie. He most recently directed "All I See Is You" starring Blake Lively and Jason Clarke.
"Christopher Robin" falls in line with Disney's slate of live-action adaptations. These include next year's "Beauty and the Beast," Guy Ritchie-directed "Aladdin," "Snow White," Jon Favreau-directed "Lion King," and "Mulan."
Watch the video of live-action "Winnie the Pooh" from "World War Z" director:
