Looks like we can expect to return to Narnia this year, at Christmas time.  Hurrah!

Left: Angelina Jolie as the Macedonian queen Olympias, in Oliver Stones's Alexander (2004). Right: Elizabeth Taylor in the title role of the 1963 film, Cleopatra.

I’m a little late to the party, but I’m very happy to hear that there is a film biopic of Cleopatra in the works, based on a new book by Stacey Schiff: Cleopatra: A Life. USA Today reports:

At a lunch this week in Manhattan to promote the book, Schiff and Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch said film producer Scott Rudin has bought the rights to Schiff’s book, envisioning Jolie in the role. (Rudin’s office confirms that the project “is being developed for and with Jolie.”) Schiff says Jolie fills the bill. ‘Physically, she’s the perfect look,’ she says. Brad Pitt is a no-brainer for Mark Antony. Julius Caesar? That one had Schiff temporarily stumped.

via Book Buzz: What’s new on the list and in publishing – USATODAY.com.  While I have not read Schiff’s book, I think Jolie will be perfect as Cleopatra, and look forward to the film.  But, please, don’t cast Pitt as Antony.  No way.  The 1963 version, starring Elizabeth Taylor, relies heavily on Plutarch’s Lives and Shakespeare’s plays, “Julius Caesar” and “Antony & Cleopatra” (which in turn are based heavily on Plutarch).  It  was one of my very favorite films growing up, and is certainly partly to blame for my chosen profession.  As some of you may know, I am a historian, working on my Ph.D. in ancient history.  I focus on women in the ancient Rome, but I have also done a lot of work on Cleopatra and Olympias, two powerful women who have not been treated well by the ancient sources.  Sadly, Oliver Stone’s Alexander did little to solve that problem where Olympias is concerned, in addition to being a pretty abysmal film, in my opinion.  I was also very disappointed by the portrayal of Cleopatra in HBO’s Rome series, as she was depicted as an annoying drug addict and nymphomaniac in season one (supposedly her character improved in season two).  However, I am very hopeful for the upcoming film version.  We shall see.

Take a stroll down memory lane with the trailer for the 1963 film, Cleopatra:

Video via classics movie’s YouTube channel.

Video via YouTube – TrailerBrasil’s Channel.

For concept art from the upcoming feature, check out my previous post: Another Disney Princess movie: ‘Rapunzel’ is in the works! | Heroine TV.

Thanks to @bonniegrrl for linking to the video on Twitter.

The ad aired during the Super Bowl yesterday.  Video courtesy of Harry Potter Park Ad – Redlasso.com.  I found the video via Small Screen Scoop.

Photo Credit: Disney/ SciFi Mafia.

It seems that Tim Burton may be taking on another Disney project, following Alice in Wonderland.  SciFi Mafia reports:

“Tim Burton is being rumored to direct MALEFICENT, a remake of Sleeping Beauty for Disney. Maleficent is the villain that Disney created for Sleeping Beauty and went on to become the main villain in the “Kingdom Hearts” video games. The film will reportedly be the Sleeping Beauty story through Maleficent’s eyes.”

Check out the following link for the source, and further details: Tim Burton To Take On Disney’s Mistress Of All Evil – MALEFICENT | SciFi Mafia.

I love Disney villains, even more than I love Disney princesses (if you can believe that), and Maleficent is my absolute favorite.  I am just thrilled at this upcoming project, and not just because of the Disney villain angle.  Much of my work in real life involves proving that villainized women in ancient history were, in fact, the victims of biased writers.  I can’t wait to see the story from Maleficent’s point of view.  Next up, the Wicked Stepmother?  I will at least be enjoying her story in book form, as I purchased a redemptive re-telling of Snow White over the holidays: Fairest of All, by Serena Valentino (2009).  What do you think of a Maleficent movie?  Please comment below.

Part I is set to release November, 2010, while Part II is slated for July 2011.
Source: Harry Potter 7 Trailer: Harry Potter 7 Movie Trailer Leaked.

Via MSN Movie Trailers.

Video courtesy of Walt Disney Studios UK’s YouTube channel.