By this point, the name 'Anne Hathaway' is synonymous with beauty, grace and kindness. But the actress is going for a change in image, having agreed to star as the dreaded Grand High Witch in a new film production of Roald Dahl's book The Witches.
On Wednesday, Variety reported that The Devil Wears Prada star had signed along the dotted line to terrify a new generation of children by playing the main antagonist in a reboot of the 1990 fantasy horror movie.
It had previously been alleged that the 36-year-old was in talks to take the role, but had scheduling conflicts with Sesame Street film. However, it seems the issues have been ironed out and the production is full steam ahead.
Based on the 1983 children's novel, the story follows a seven-year-old British boy who lives with his Norwegian grandmother in a world where child-hating societies of witches secretly exist in every country.
Ruled by one particularly vicious witch - the all-powerful Grand High Witch - the group arrives in England to organise their worst plot ever. But the boy and his former witch-hunting grandma are about to do everything they can to defeat them...
Back to the Future filmmaker Robert Zemeckis will pen the script, as well as produce with his partner Jack Rapke through their banner ImageMovers, along with Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro.
However, the new adaption is set to be somewhat controversial.
As news of the casting got out, many people took to social media to share their doubts, claiming the original film was the ultimate version.
"Another unnecessary remake of an already brilliant piece of work. Not surprising but still disappointing," wrote a Twitter user going by the name of @KindallLovell.
"Hmm. I'll give it a chance," added another going by the name of @annamh_nz. "This movie was spine-tinglingly, terrifyingly, deliciously horrifying when I was a kid. Anjelica Huston was so so good. I'll never forget the way she said 'I smell ... children ...' Scared me for years whenever I thought about it."
Others were more supportive of the new offering though, with @1978low writing: "Best news ever! Anne Hathaway is amazing!"
One person who certainly isn't behind the remake though? Anjelica Huston herself, who played the evil Grand High Witch in the 1990 movie.
Speaking to EW, the actress claimed you couldn't improve on perfection, stating: "I don’t really know why, because I think Nick Roeg made the ultimate Witches. Frankly, best of luck to them. I hope it works. I just can’t imagine anyone trying to remake that particular [film]. Maybe it’s a good idea for this generation."
She added: "I’m a huge fan of the original Witches, Nick Reog’s movie, and it was his particular brand of irony and wit that made it what it is. So I hope they find a very fine director because that’s what they had for the first."
Burn! Can Anne give Anjelica a run for her money? We shall see!
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