'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' News: First Trailer Features Ballet Performance, Sugar Plum Fairy

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Friday, December 22, 2017

Disney has released the trailer for "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," their adaptation of the famous German story by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

The trailer features young protagonist Clara (Mackenzie Foy) following a length of string in the middle of what looks to be a game. She then stumbles upon a mysterious room that leads her to a magical place full of colorful characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley) and Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren).

The film will also feature a ballet performance with Misty Copeland playing the part of the Ballerina, drawing from Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker."

According to Entertainment Weekly, Clara will look for a magical key that will open a priceless gift given to her by her mother. Her search will take her through the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, and the Land of Sweets.

"She's very smart and independent. She loves to think and find the fastest way to solve a problem," Foy told the publication about her character.

But, there is a darker tone in the film that has to do with Mirren's Mother Ginger, who is the ruler of the Fourth Realm. "She's a fierce character with a modern edge," Mirren said.

While a trailer has been released, production on the film has yet to wrap. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is set to go through reshoots which will be led by Joe Johnston. The film itself was directed by Lasse Hallstrom, but scheduling conflicts prevent him from heading the reshoots. Hallstrom, however, will be back in time for postproduction.

"The film is in very good hands in London while I'm away. I will return to postproduction after the holidays," Hallstrom said in a statement to the media outlet.

Johnston is known for directing "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Jurassic Park III." Hallstrom, on the other hand, helmed films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "A Dog's Purpose."

"The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" will premiere on Nov. 2, 2018.

Watch the trailer below: