Many moons ago, I related the announcement that the renowned Tim Burton was slated to direct and produce a new version of Lewis Carroll’s old classic, Alice in Wonderland … complete with his characteristically quirky spin, of course.
Today I bring you an update: casting of the title character is nearly a done deal.
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Tim Burton and Walt Disney Pictures went “down under” for their “down the rabbit hole” star, Australian actress Mia Wasikowska (right). A regular on HBO’s “In Treatment,” Wasikowska got her big-screen start on the Australian series “All Saints”. She’s also appearing in the upcoming war drama “Defiance” opposite Daniel Craig, and has recently finished filming the biopic “Amelia,” starring Hilary Swank.
Rumors are circulating that Johnny Depp will have a part to play in Burton’s “Alice” too, most likely that of the Mad Hatter. Most fans seem to feel it’s quite fitting, and almost everyone agrees it just wouldn’t be a Tim Burton classic-in-the-making without him. Other close followers of the project also forecast the inclusion of Danny Elfman music, Coleen Atwood costumes, and at least cameos from Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee and Deep Roy.
Principal photography on the project begins in November, and Fandango asserts that opening day for “Alice in Wonderland” is scheduled for May 5, 2010.
