Del Toro Goes Hunting For New Witches

by Christopher Campbell May 18th 2006 // 4:07PM

Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Deals, Warner Brothers, Family Films

Warner Brothers, it seems, just isn't happy with its original adaptations of Roald Dahl's books. First we were given a polarizing (I say dreadful) redo of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now it seems they want a different take on The Witches. Guillermo Del Toro is planning to write the script and may direct, while Alfonso Cuarón will produce. The book was first brought to the screen in 1990 by screenwriter Allan Scott and director Nicholas Roeg.

I've been meaning to see that first version for some time now, but despite my affection for Roeg's work, I have never felt a craving for the story. Now that I'm reaching the stage in my life where I'm growing old enough to appreciate the family films I couldn't warm up to as a cynical teen, though, I'm torn. Should I still check out the 1990 film or should I just wait for Del Toro's vision? The best argument for the former is that Roeg's film stars Anjelica Huston. Is there any other?

Anyway, why can't somebody just make a good movie out of The BFG?

3 Comments

Tags: alfonso cuaron, AlfonsoCuaron, guillermo del toro, GuillermoDelToro, nicholas roeg, NicholasRoeg, roald dahl, RoaldDahl, the witches, TheWitches

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-18-2006 @ 5:37PM

Jette said...

I saw the original "The Witches" back when it was released and liked it very much. Great cast, fun story, very Dahl-esque. The ending was changed to be "happier" but I didn't mind, it was still a charming movie. Definitely worth a rental.

5-18-2006 @ 7:52PM

badMike said...

Dude, you HAVE to see the original Witches. It's totally brilliant and great fun even for adults. I saw it first as an adult and I've seen it several times. Remaking this is a travesty (how many times have I said that in the past 5 years?)

5-18-2006 @ 7:58PM

Lisa said...

The original "The Witches" is definitely worth the rental. Granted, I watched it as a 10 year old who'd read Roald Dahl all through school...regardless, it's a clever, imaginative film and Anjelica Huston is wonderful. If memory serves, the rest of the cast holds their own, especially the grandmother. I'm surprised they're remaking it! I'd be interested to hear what you think of the original.

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