Summary:
- Disney+ is developing a YA adaptation of Phantom of the Opera, with Kenny Ortega directing and Giovanni M. Porta writing.
- The project has the potential to become a major franchise, following Ortega’s return to Disney after his work with Netflix.
A new young adult adaptation of Phantom of the Opera is in development at Disney+, with Kenny Ortega and Giovanni M. Porta leading the project.
This reimagination could potentially evolve into a franchise similar to The Descendants if successful.
Ortega, who is returning to Disney after his contract with Netflix ended, will direct and executive produce Phantom through his production company, The KO Company.
The screenplay, written by Giovanni M. Porta (known for At Midnight), is based on a story by Porta and Eric Bromberg.
The original 1909 novel, set in the 1880s, follows Erik, a mysterious and disfigured musical genius living under the Paris Opera House.
Obsessed with a young soprano named Christine, Erik manipulates events to make her the star of the opera.
The novel has seen numerous adaptations, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous Broadway musical, which enjoyed a record-breaking 35-year run from 1988 to 2023.
Exile Content, a division of Candle Media, brought the project to Disney Branded Television and will also serve as executive producer.
Kenny Ortega is known for his work as a choreographer, director, and producer on projects like Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus, and the High School Musical films.
He also directed the Descendants films for Disney+. Giovanni M. Porta is a writer and producer, with his original feature spec script Queen B set up at Netflix and his first produced project, At Midnight, recently premiered on Paramount+.
Porta is represented by Range Media Partners, United Talent Agency, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, and Hoberman.
