Disney is rolling into reshoots on their upcoming live-action take on the classic Christmas taleThe Nutcracker.THRreports thatCaptain AmericaandJumanjidirectorJoe Johnstonwill take the helm for a “significant” additional photography shoot forThe Nutcracker and the Four Realms, which adapts the classic ballet byPeter Tchaikovskyand story byE.T.A. Hoffmann.
Cider House RulesandWhat’s Eating Gilbert GrapedirectorLasse Hallstromdirected the film for Disney and per the report, the filmmaker wasn’t sidelined during pickups but was unavailable to return for them due to scheduling issues. Once additional photography is complete, Hallstrom will return for post-production.
“The film is in very good hands in London while I’m away,” said Hallstrom in a statement toTHR. “I will return to post production after the holidays.” [sic].
Mackenzie Foystars as Clara, alongsideKeira Knightleyas the Sugar Plum Fairy,Morgan Freemanas Drosselmeyer,Helen Mirrenas Mother Ginger, and American Ballet Theatre prima ballerinaMisty Copeland, who will perform in the film’s dance sequences. Foy, Knightley, Freeman, and Copeland, among others, are returning for the reshoots, which are expected to last 32 days and include script work from Oscar-winningSpotlightfilmmakerTom McCarthy.
No word on what specific issues they’ll be addressing during the reshoots, but it’s worth noting that additional photography and pickup shots are a normal part of the filmmaking process, especially for tentpole films. Reshoots have earned extra scrutiny in recent years after films likeRogue OneandSuicide Squadsignificantly restructured in additional photography, and they’ve been a major part of industry conversation again this year thanks to films likeJustice LeagueandAll the Money in the World, but it’s not always scandal and cinematic crisis.
Inspired by the classic tale,The Nutcracker and the Four Realmsfollows Clara on a magical journey has to get back a magical key to unlock a special gift from her godfather (Freeman), and goes looking for it across the Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the foreboding Fourth Realm ruled by Mirren’s fierce Mother Ginger.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realmsarrives in theaters Jun 18, 2025
