(Left) Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Right) Prince Charming in 1950's 'Cinderella'. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.

(Left) Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Right) Prince Charming in 1950's 'Cinderella'. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.

Preview:

  • Chris Hemsworth’s in talks for Disney’s ‘Prince Charming.’
  • ‘Paddington’s Paul King is on to direct the new movie about the character.
  • Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing the script.

Recently, word arrived that ‘Paddington’ and ‘Wonka’ maestro Paul King had found his next big directing gig: handling the new take on Prince Charming for Disney.

There was no talk of potential casting in that original report, but The InSneider’s Jeff Sneider has heard that the movie is attracting attention from someone with experience in the fairy tale realm –– and no, we don’t mean Asgard.

Chris Hemsworth, whose rose to fame as Marvel’s Thor (and is still looking to make future movies in the MCU) is in talks to play the title role.

If he does lock in a deal, this would mark his latest appearance in a fantasy-fueled film, since he’s played The Huntsman in 2012’s ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ (that one co-starring Kristen Stewart as Snow) and follow-up ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ in 2016.

The Huntsman: Winter's War

"The story before Snow White"
63
PG-131 hr 54 minApr 22nd, 2016

What’s the story of ‘Prince Charming’?

(L to R) Lily James and Richard Madden in 'Cinderella'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

(L to R) Lily James and Richard Madden in 'Cinderella'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

That’s the big question at this point –– Charming rarely has much of his own story, usually being found as the romantic interest for the likes of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, though his real origin lies in ‘Cinderella.’

When King was originally reported as considering it for his next directing gig, it was made clear that this won’t necessarily tie into any of the fairy tales in which versions of the character have appeared, though we’d be surprised if there weren’t at least references to his cinematic/fictional history.

And there is also talk that this may end up going the animated route, though live-action would seem to make more sense given Disney’s drive to convert its entire cartoon back catalogue to live-action fantasy films.

Related Article: ‘Paddington’ and ‘Wonka’ Director Paul King to Handle Disney’s Live-Action ‘Prince Charming’

What else is Chris Hemsworth working on?

Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production 'Transformers One'.

Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production 'Transformers One'.

Hemsworth was most recently seen –– okay, heard –– in another fresh take on a classic character, voicing Orion Pax (AKA Optimus Prime) in ‘Transformers One.’

He’s next set to star in Amazon MGM Studios’ thriller ‘Crime 101,’ which also features Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan and his ‘Avengers’ buddy Mark Ruffalo.

The film is based on a short story by Don Winslow, with ‘American Animals’ Bart Layton directing.

Further ahead, there are rumors he’ll be seen in the ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ live-action/CG crossover film and is attached to play Hulk Hogan in a biopic of the wrestler.

When would the new ‘Prince Charming’ be in theaters?

Even with its history of cranking out these live-action movies, Disney has yet to announce a release date for –– or even confirm the new status of –– the Prince Charming movie.

We can’t imagine it would arrive before 2026.

Director Paul King at the London World Premiere of 'Wonka.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Director Paul King at the London World Premiere of 'Wonka.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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