Comingsoon links to the
MTV report that AnnaSophia Robb (
Bridge to Terabithia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is slated to step into the role of one of the alien siblings in the
Escape to Witch Mountain remake.
MTV also reveals director Andy Fickman's approach to the new version (and his reasoning behind going with the Rock in Eddie Albert's original role):
Not remake,” Fickman corrected. “We didn’t want to come in and just simply do a remake of a movie that we all really liked growing-up. It’s a new chapter within the world of Witch Mountain. I think that for people who have seen the original, they’re going to be very happy with the direction were going. And with people who’ve never seen it, I think it’ll be an exciting ride for them [as well].”
According to Fickman, the biggest difference may be one of tone. “The original book is a very cool dark thriller. We’re pulling elements from that,” he revealed. “It’s a much darker movie than in the 70s when they did ‘Escape to Witch Mountain.’”
The original followed two alien kids with supernatural abilities as they’re pursued by the megalomaniacal millionaire Aristotle Bolt, who wants to exploit their powers. Nothing against the old cast, Fickman laughed, but all original kids had in the way of capture was Eddie Albert. That’s about to change big time, he enthused.
“Listen, if you’re lost on this planet and you’re being chased by everybody and you could pick one guy to defend you, you pick the Rock, let’s be honest,” he said. “In your list of people who I would like, I want one guy, I choose the Rock. I think the kids choose wisely.”
Heh.
Comingsoon links to the MTV report that AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is slated to step into the role of one of the alien siblings in the Escape to Witch Mountain remake. MTV also reveals director Andy Fickman's approach to the new version (and his reasoning behind going with the Rock in Eddie Albert's original role):