Ryan Reynolds and newcomer Mae Schenk are set to bring the beloved Eloise stories to life in Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight’s classic children’s books.
The film will reimagine the adventures of the mischievous young girl who lives on “the tippy-top floor” of New York City’s famed Plaza Hotel.
Amy Sherman-Palladino, the acclaimed creator of Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will direct the movie and co-write the screenplay alongside Hannah Marks and Linda Woolverton.
Woolverton, known for Beauty and the Beast, The Lion Kinghas long expressed admiration for Thompson’s work. “I absolutely love Eloise for her mischievousness, her irreverence, her imagination and made-up words,” she said.
“Her playground, the Plaza Hotel, is an iconic symbol of all that’s wonderful about New York City.”
Reynolds will portray an original “villainous character” created specifically for the film, while Schenk will make her feature debut as Eloise. Production is set to begin this month.
Netflix’s Head of Feature Animation and Family Film, Hannah Minghella, said in a statement: “Eloise has been beloved for generations, from when she was first published in the 1950s through to today, when no family trip to New York City is complete without a stop at The Plaza.
It’s an honour to reintroduce this cherished character to the world with two people who share her signature mischief and charm — Amy Sherman-Palladino and Ryan Reynolds — in this bold, hilarious, and heartfelt new family film.”
Producers Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau of Reynolds’ Maximum Effort praised Schenk’s casting, saying, “She’s got the spark, the wit, and just the right amount of mischief.”