As a lifelong cinema enthusiast with a knack for spotting the next big thing, I can confidently say that Kenny Ortega’s take on “Phantom of the Opera” is an exciting development in the world of film and television. With his extensive experience spanning over five decades, from classics like “Dirty Dancing” and “Hocus Pocus” to modern Disney franchises like “Descendants” and “High School Musical”, Ortega has proven his ability to captivate audiences across generations.
Filmmaker Kenny Ortega is teaming up with Disney+ to modernize Gaston Leroux’s timeless novel for a younger demographic. The project is currently in its initial stages, but it could potentially grow into a series much like Ortega’s other successful Disney collaborations, such as “Descendants” and “High School Musical”.
This morning, Deadline announced the upcoming production of “Phantom” by Ortega, but several aspects of the project remain under wraps. The original novel, set in 19th-century France, revolves around Erik, a secretive, partially disfigured musician dwelling beneath the Paris Opera House’s waterways. His increasing infatuation with Christine, a young soprano opera member, leads to tension and eventually violent confrontations as Erik endeavors to hide his identity while simultaneously attempting to mold Christine into a star. It remains undecided which of these elements will be incorporated into Ortega’s adaptation. However, a spec script for the project has already been penned by Giovanni M. Porta, a renowned writer, producer, and actor recognized for his work on Paramount+’s “At Midnight,” featuring Diego Boneta.
According to The DisInsider, there’s a lot of optimism for the upcoming project, as it’s intended to develop Ortega’s Phantom into a series similar to Descendants or High School Musical if the adaptation is successful. With a career in directing and production that spans more than half a century, Ortega is undoubtedly the right person for this task. His diverse portfolio includes numerous highly successful Disney franchises, but he has also been the director, producer, and choreographer behind beloved classics like Dirty Dancing, Newsies, and Hocus Pocus. This broad range of expertise also implies that some aspects of the Broadway adaptation of Phantom of the Opera may be incorporated into Ortega’s Phantom as well.
Bringing the Phantom to Life — Again
From its initial release in 1910, Gaston Leroux’s “The Phantom of the Opera” has undergone numerous transformations, with the Broadway adaptation penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1988 arguably being the most renowned and cherished. This production, which eventually ended its 35-year run in 2023, amassed seven Tony Awards and established various records during its tenure. In 2004, a film adaptation bearing the same title was unveiled, serving as a devoted tribute to the Broadway musical. It made minimal changes, with Gerard Butler portraying the Phantom and Emmy Rossum embodying Christine.
In essence, Ortega’s adaptation of Phantom, tailored for younger viewers, will likely undergo significant transformations. For instance, incorporating original songs and dance routines, given Ortega’s previous works, could be one such change. Introducing new music would distinguish this version from others, and also provide a chance to introduce lighter, more family-friendly aspects into the storyline, which is typically quite dark with themes of murder, revenge, and envy. However, since the project is still in its infancy, it’s too soon to know the specifics of Ortega’s plans for this retelling of the tragic romance.
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2024-09-07 04:03