Disney’s classic animated film The Aristocats is set to receive a live-action and CGI hybrid remake with Questlove attached to direct. In addition to directing the film, Questlove will also serve as an executive producer and oversee the movie’s music. The screenplay will be written by Will Gluck, who will produce for Olive Bridge, and Keith Bunin. The remake will be executive produced by Tarik Trotter, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman for Two One Five Entertainment.
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The Aristocats was released by Walt Disney Productions in 1970 and was the 20th animated feature in the Disney Animated Canon. The film was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, who had previously directed several other Disney classics such as The Jungle Book and Robin Hood. The movie was based on a story by Tom McGowan and Tom Rowe and features memorable songs composed by the legendary Sherman Brothers.
The Aristocats follows the story of a wealthy French woman named Madame Adelaide Bonfamille and her beloved cats: Duchess, Toulouse, Berlioz, and Marie. When Madame Adelaide passes away, she leaves her fortune to her cats, much to the displeasure of her butler, Edgar, who plots to get rid of them and inherit the money himself. The cats are then assisted by a charming alley cat named Thomas O’Malley, who helps them get back to their home in Paris.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $191 million at the box office and receiving positive reviews from critics. The Aristocats has since become a beloved classic among Disney fans, with its memorable characters and catchy songs, including “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat.”
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In addition to the upcoming live-action and CGI remake, The Aristocats has also been adapted into several other forms of media over the years, including a comic book series, a stage musical, and a direct-to-video sequel.
The production team behind the remake is stacked with talented individuals. Will Gluck, who has produced and directed popular films such as Easy A and Peter Rabbit, will be producing the remake under his production banner, Olive Bridge. Tarik Trotter, a member of Questlove’s band The Roots, will also be serving as an executive producer. The screenplay will be written by Keith Bunin, whose previous works include the critically acclaimed HBO series In Treatment. With such a talented group of individuals at the helm, the Aristocats remake is sure to be a hit.
Ahmir “Questlove” is best known as being member of the acclaimed Roots and has won six Grammy awards. But he’s also a rising filmmaker who made his directorial debut with his documentary Summer of Soul which garnered him an Oscar in 2022. The pic which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival also took home the Grand Jury Prize award.