Full Breakdown
Ella Enchanted TV Series Development at Disney+
5/19/2026, 12:16:35 AM
From Book to Film to TV: Adaptation History
The 1997 novel *Ella Enchanted* by Gail Carson Levine was adapted into a 2004 Miramax feature starring Anne Hathaway. The film was released while Miramax operated under Disney ownership, with Buena Vista International handling overseas distribution. Disney+ has now commissioned a television series based on the same source material, retaining the premise of a teenage girl cursed to obey every command.
Principal Creators and Production Partners
Anne Hathaway will serve as executive producer. The series is being written by Ilana Wolpert, known for *Anyone But You*, and will be showrun by Beth Schwartz, who previously led *Dead Boy Detectives*. Production is a joint effort between Miramax Television and Paramount Television Studios, co-executive-produced by Johnathan Rice and Adam Shulman through Somewhere Pictures, with additional involvement from iGen Studios, the company behind Netflix’s *My Life with the Walter Boys*.
Ownership and Production Statistics
Miramax remains 49 % owned by Paramount following Paramount’s acquisition of Paramount in August, under CEO Jonathan Glickman. The *Ella Enchanted* series is the second high-profile Miramax-Paramount collaboration for Disney+, following the adaptation of *Cop Land*. The project is described as being in “early stages of development,” with no production schedule publicly disclosed.
Official Statements from Anne Hathaway
Speaking at Disney’s upfront presentation, Hathaway said she was first introduced to Disney as a child and that her roles in *The Princess Diaries* and the upcoming *Devil Wears Prada 2* have been pivotal in her career. She expressed honor in returning to Disney, emphasizing the personal significance of the partnership.
Absence of Reported Criticism
No dissenting commentary or opposition has been reported in the available sources regarding the series’ development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Like so many of you, I was introduced to Disney as a child, learning how to dream and tell stories,” — Anne Hathaway, Actress
- “Playing Mia in Princess Diaries became this magical portal that opened up my whole life and now with the Devil Wears Prada franchise; these two films that have shaped my career the most are at the same wonderful home, and I am so honored to be a part of the family.” — Anne Hathaway, Actress
- “In it, when 16-year-old Ella of Frell — cursed at birth to obey every command — is sent to boarding school after her mother’s untimely death, she begins to uncover the truth about her curse, builds an unlikely found family, and deals with an extremely inconvenient crush on the prince of her kingdom.” — Series Synopsis
- “The series, now in early stages of development, keeps the basic premise of the movie and Gail Carson Levine’s book it was loosely based on — it centers on the eponymous teen girl stuck with the unfortunate “gift” of obedience.” — Series Description
Future Steps for the Series
The series remains in early stages of development, and Disney+ has not announced a release date or production timeline. Ongoing collaboration between Miramax, Paramount and Disney will determine future scheduling.
