Search form

‘Frozen’ Director Jennifer Lee to Adapt ‘Wrinkle in Time’ for Disney

The writer and co-director of Disney’s ‘Frozen’ is set to tackle the adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved book, ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’

Jennifer Lee, who wrote, and co-directed Frozen with Chris Buck, is set to tackle A Wrinkle in Time, according to a report by Variety.

Lee, also the co-writer for Wreck-It Ralph, will write the big screen adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s book for Disney in which children travel through time and visit strange worlds in order to find their missing scientist father.

Published in 1962, “Wrinkle in Time” was one of Lee’s favorite novels as a child, and she reportedly impressed Disney executives with her take on the project, which emphasizes a strong female-driven narrative and creatively approaches the science fiction and world-building elements of the book.

While Lee adapts A Wrinkle in Time, she will continue in her role as part of Walt Disney Animation’s story trust and remain active in projects in development at the division that scored with Frozen -- its biggest hit ever at the box office with nearly $1.3 billion -- and is ready to launch Big Hero 6, based on a Marvel property, out November 7. Lee also co-wrote Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph.

Jim Whitaker will produce the project with Catherine Hand; no director is yet attached.

Jeff Stockwell (Bridge to Terabithia) had initially tackled the screenplay when the project was first announced in 2010.

 “A Wrinkle in Time” is the first book in L’Engle’s “Time Quartet” series that also includes “A Wind in the Door,” “Many Waters,” and “A Swiftly Tilting Planet.”

Whitaker most recently produced Disney’s The Odd Life of Timothy Green. His credits also include American Gangster and Robin Hood. Hand already had produced a Wrinkle in Time TV movie for ABC that aired in 2003.

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.