After nearly 20 years of stop-and-go progress, a stage musical adaptation of The Princess Bride is finally edging closer to reality.
The project, which once saw its original creators William Goldman and composer Adam Guettel parting ways over disagreements, is now being brought to life by a new creative team.
The Princess Bride, originally a 1973 novel by William Goldman before becoming a beloved 1987 film directed by Rob Reiner, has earned cult status.
Back in the late 2000s, Disney started developing the show, but the effort hit speedbumps, including creative disagreements and the ongoing hunt for the right composer.
Reiner, who directed the original film, once said: “I think it would make a great musical. I think the songs ‘As You Wish’ and ‘Inconceivable,’ and ‘The Battle of Wits’ just jump out at you.”
Fast-forward to today, and the musical is finally picking up serious momentum.
The latest development sees powerhouse producer Jeffrey Seller – best known for work on Hamilton – at the helm. The book is penned by Bob Martin and Rick Elice, known for their work on Smash, and Alex Timbers, acclaimed for Moulin Rouge! and Beetlejuice, will direct.
The new composing team features Robert and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the Oscar-winning duo behind the music of Frozen, with Tom Kitt supervising the music.
The Princess Bride musical will adapt both the original novel and film screenplay, telling the iconic story of Buttercup and her quest to be with Westley, all set within the magical kingdom of Florin.
A recent workshop saw a cast including Alex Brightman as Billy, Jonathan Hadary as Grampa, Erika Henningsen as Buttercup and William Paul as Westley.
The production is still in its workshopping phase, with a formal timeline yet to be announced.
But after years of rumors and close calls, things are getting underway.
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