West Side Story lead Rachel Zegler is lending her voice to a new animated Alan Menken musical called Spellbound. According to Deadline, the flick is created in collaboration between Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation, and will follow Zegler's Princess Ellian as she embarks on a mission to save her kingdom after a spell turns her parents into monsters.
Spellbound will be directed by Vicky Jenson and features a script by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Linda Woolverton. It will include an original score by Menken, best known for composing the music for The Little Mermaid and the Tony Award-winning adaptation of Newsies. The project is a reunion for Menken and Woolverton, who previously worked on the animated film, stage, and live-action film adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
The musical feature lyrics by Menken's The Little Mermaid collaborator Glenn Slater, with Chris Montan serving as executive music producter, and John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and David Lipman serving as producers.
First finding fame through her online presence within the musical theatre community, Zelger landed her breakthrough role in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story where she played Maria. She has since been cast in the forthcoming DC movie Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White.
