The Hollywood heartthrob will once again portray the ‘Mad Hatter’ in the latest film adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice in Wonderland.
While the last film saw Depp in yet another collaboration with Tim Burton, this time The Muppets’ James Bobin will be sitting in the director’s chair.
In Disney’s 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland , Depp starred alongside Helena Bonham-Carter, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry and Mia Wasikowska.
It is unknown whether his co-stars will also be reprising their roles for the follow-on film. Wasikowska was 19-years-old when she was chosen to star in the lead, now 23, it is unclear how she might return to the story.
The latest film deal to hit Hollywood is a sign of the times. The current trend for dark fantasy follow-up films to classic children’s stories and fairytales hasn’t lost its appeal for filmmakers and producers. Last year’s Wizard of Oz prequel and this year’s Maleficent – a prequel to Sleeping Beauty starring Angelian Jolie and Cinderella –starring Cate Blanchett and Lily James, are all expected to produce the same hit results.
Yet Depp could fail to muster the enthusiasm of fans with this new film. Despite being one of show-business’s most well paid actors, the 50-year-old actor’s latest string of movies have failed to peak at the box office and haven’t managed to garner the usual critical acclaim accompanied by the star’s performances. His most recent films, The Lone Ranger and last’ year’s Dark Shadows, failing to impress both fans and critics.
That being said, Depp is returning to familiar territory as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fifth installment of the popular Pirates of the Caribbean series, due to start filming in 2014.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to Johnny Depp’s reprisal of the role? Has he still got what it takes to produce great films? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.