First Look: Disney’s ‘Into The Woods’

Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of Into the Woods has just released its first teaser trailer and it includes plenty of Hollywood’s A-list stars!

The movie musical, a modern twist on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, tells the story of a group of characters who venture into a dark forest in hopes of achieving their deepest wishes.

Characters from these various popular children’s stories include Cinderella (Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford and Johnny Depp) Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone and Tracey Ullman) and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy). They are all tied together by an original story involving a baker (James Cordon) and his wife (Emily Blunt), their wish to have a child and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.

As reported previously, the adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s 1987 stage musical has received modifications in order to make it more appropriate for younger viewers and to broaden its appeal.

The composer revealed that the adult themes have been removed for the upcoming film, such as the sexualized relationship between the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood, as well as other mature moments.

“You will find in the movie that Rapunzel does not get killed, and the prince does not sleep with the [Baker’s Wife],” explained Sondheim. “You know, if I were a Disney executive I probably would say the same thing.”

Into the Woods will feature two new songs: one called “Rainbows,” and another for the Witch.

The film, directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), will hit theaters Christmas Day, December 25, 2014. Watch the trailer below.