New Line Cinema has attached Adam Shankman to direct an adaptation of The Nutcracker, Deadline reports. This take arrives from Jack the Giant Killer screenwriter Darren Lemke.
Most famously adapted as a ballet by Tchaikovsky in the late 19th century, the tale originated as a short story by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816. In it, a young girl’s dolls come to life on Christmas Eve alongside a noble nutcracker, who protects her from a villainous army of mice. This version is said to be based primarily on the original story.
Earlier this year, word broke that Universal Pictures was planning their own take on the tale. The status of that project is currently unknown, though New Line is said to be targeting theirs for a late 2013 release.
Shankman’s next, Rock of Ages is scheduled to hit theaters on June 1, 2012.
(Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)
