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Disney Setting Up 'King of the Elves' for 2013, Brings on New Writer

by Alex Billington
July 4, 2011
Source: Variety

A few years back, it was reported that one of Disney's upcoming animated films, an adaptation of Philip K. Dick's King of the Elves, had been shelved because Disney wasn't satisfied with their own CG movies. Well, Variety is now reporting that the project is back on again at Walt Disney Animation for a late 2013 release. But the big reason it's back is because the script is getting an overhaul by Michael Markowitz, a TV writer credited as one of the screenwriters of Horrible Bosses, hence the timing on this news since that hits theaters this week. Chris Williams, co-director and writer of Bolt, will also be "shepherding" the project.

Philip K. Dick's King of the Elves short story is a fantasy about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctant actions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their new king. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escape from an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himself caught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bring real meaning back to his own life. Some thought the story just wouldn't work for an animated Disney movie, but it looks like Markowitz found the edge that made them excited enough to start this one back up.

John Lasseter, who just finished directing Cars 2 despite moving to Disney, is producing King of the Elves with Chuck Williams. As far as I can tell, they haven't actually named a director yet, so everything is just coming together. I'm a big fan of Philip K. Dick and always excited to see projects involving his work. Plus, an animated Disney movie with trolls and elves? I'm already looking forward to seeing how it turns out and I'm happy to hear that after being "permanently shelved" for 18 months, King of the Elves is back on track!

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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1503900114 Tyler Morgan

Disney and their inability to create african american characters in modern storylines. Princess and the Frog (19th century New Orleeeeeans) and now this. I think it's funny. "Disney's original storyboard is believed to have been torn up after criticism that the lead character was a clichéd subservient role with echoes of slavery, and whose name sounded too much like "Mammy" – a unwelcome reminder of America's Deep South before the civil rights movement swept away segregation."

stfugtfo

mufasa now thats a black charactor!!!

http://whatafy.com whatafy

This is going to be magnificent. I've enjoyed the short story.
Mako34

I actually own the domain name kingoftheelves.com Anybody have advice on what I should do? I originally though I'd make it a fansite for the story, but....... Disney? I have no idea how to approach this.
http://www.2013movies.org 2013movies

I can't wait for this movie to come out on the 2013 movies list. I think I'm gonna see it as soon it comes out. Go Disney