While earlier today we posted some pictures from Tim Burton's latest film, BIG EYES, which looks to be somewhat of a departure for the filmmaker simply because it doesn't feature CGI or Johnny Depp (I can't wait), Walt Disney Pictures issued a press release that ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS goes into production this week. This Burton-less sequel will be helmed by James Bobin who recently directed THE MUPPETS and MUPPETS MOST WANTED. While the story is still under wraps, it evidently will bring Alice back to Underland and back in time, with a script by Linda Woolverton (ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MALEFICENT).
Despite is many shortcomings, THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS will see a return of its eclectic ensemble which includes Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, and Matt Lucas. Joining them for this sequel will be Rhys Ifans as the Mad Hatter's father, Ed Speleers as James Harcourt, and Sacha Baron Cohen as Time. THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS will also see the return of Alan Rickman, who will once again lend his vocal talents as a caterpillar who just doesn't give an eff.
I've never read the original source material, but the Disney cartoon always struck me as "just a trippy piece." I'd like to think that there's something a little more appealing in the original story, but given the shallow first film and it's departure from said material, I'm sure Disney is just going to do its own thing. ALICE IN WONDERLAND raked in over a billion worldwide so I'm a little surprised it's taken them this long to get a sequel cooking. Perhaps the director will be able to bring his Muppet expertise and give us a digital world that is actually interesting to spend some time in.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS will be released on May 27, 2016.