EXCLUSIVE: The latest Carrie Fisher movie wonderwell finally comes out after a “perilous” seven-year journey on screen.
THE star wars The icon, who died at the end of 2016 just six weeks after completing the fantasy film, leads the cast alongside singer and actress Rita Ora (Fifty shades of Grey), Free Nell Tiger (Servant), Sebastian Croft (Heart stroke) and newcomer Kiera Milward.
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Vertical has acquired the North American and UK/Irish rights to Vlad Marsavin’s under-the-radar debut and is preparing for a limited theatrical release via AMC in the US starting June 23, 2023, followed by a digital release.
“The journey we have taken as filmmakers with this film has been as perilous as the journey of the film itself,” director Marsavin explained of the delayed release. “From filming to screen, it took us seven years. Visual effects on a film of this magnitude take time, but we were challenged with the Covid lockdowns and of course the passing of our wonderful Carrie Fisher. Now is the perfect time to share her magical on-screen moments as Hazel.
According to Marsavin, the film got bogged down in visual effects challenges after filming, which in turn increased the budget and explained the delay.
The filmmaker told us this week that the film will include a dedication to Fisher, whose death in December 2016 came as a “huge shock” to him and the crew. The actress died four days after suffering a medical emergency on a flight from London to Los Angeles.
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Marsavin told us, “Carrie was full of energy during filming and even celebrated her 60th birthday with us in Italy where we shot the film. After a night shoot, which lasted until 2 a.m., she invited the whole team to party with her and the party ended up being interrupted by the police because they were considered a little too noisy. His death was very moving for the whole team.
The actress, daughter of fellow Hollywood stars Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds and mother of actress Billie Lourd, had filmed her role in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi Before wonderwell earlier in 2016. The Rise of Skywalker The VFX team would later use unused footage from the force awakens to bring Fisher back to the screen in Episode IX.
Fisherman wonderwell Co-star Ora said today, “Working alongside Carrie Fisher was one of those experiences you’ll never forget. I can’t wait for the world to see this intriguing and magical world of Wonderwell.”
Set between contemporary Italy and a fantasy realm, the coming-of-age story follows Violet (Milward), a curious girl living in Italy with her American parents and her beautiful older sister, Savannah (Tiger Free). When Savannah is chosen to be the face of world-famous designer Yana (Ora)’s fashion label, the family travels to an enchanting medieval village for a photoshoot. Neglected and bored, Violet wanders from the ancient Tuscan town into a nearby forest where she meets the enigmatic Hazel (Fisher), who warns her about Yana’s beleaguered stepson, Daniele (Croft). Guided by Hazel to a mysterious portal, Violet is offered a glimpse of what her future may hold. Above is a first image published by the production.
The project is produced by Fred Roos, a regular collaborator of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather: Part II), Alexander Roos (war and love), Vlad Marsavin, Orian Williams (Control), Lee Rudnicki (snow child) and Robert Bernacchi (snowdrops), who is now responsible for producing Amazon Studio on local original films. Spectrum cameraman Kenji Katori is director of photography. The screenplay is by William Brookfield (Abduction of Mr. Heineken).
Rudnicki previously wrote on his blog that watching Fisher’s “heartbreaking” final scene in the film moved him to tears.
It was veteran producer Roos, known for his longtime collaboration with Coppola on films such as Revelation now And The Godfather (and his casting work on the latter as well as Five easy pieces And american graffiti), which brought Fisher, Ora, and a number of creative team members to the project.
The music comes from William Ross (destination wedding) with ‘Violet’s theme’ in the film composed by the late Angelo Badalamenti, known for his collaborations with David Lynch on projects such as twin peaks And Mulholland Driveand performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
Vertical’s SVP of Acquisitions, Tony Piantedosi, said, “A whimsical story with captivating imagery, the film truly transports the viewer to another realm. Newcomer Kiera Milward holds her ground with legends Carrie and Rita who are captivating in their roles. This is a film that will appeal to consumers of all ages.
Piantedosi brokered the deal on behalf of Vertical; Vlad Marsavin, executive producer William Sharp (who largely financed the film) and Sebastian Twardosz of Savant Artists brokered the deal on behalf of the production.
Epic Pictures is handling international sales and was quietly selling the project at Cannes with a handful of deals in the bag and more in the works.
Outside of Cannes, Vertical has also acquired Johnny Depp’s star Jeanne DuBarry.
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