Disney+ took the next step Wednesday in bringing its anticipated live-action series adaptation of 'Ella Enchanted' to screens, officially announcing the showrunner and key casting choices as the project moves from early development into active pre-production. The streamer, which had been quietly developing the project based on Gail Carson Levine's 1997 fantasy novel — previously adapted as the 2004 film starring Anne Hathaway — confirmed that the series will expand the original story's world rather than serve as a direct remake.

Sources close to the production indicated that Disney+ executives made the formal greenlight decision this week following positive internal screenings of the pilot script, with the announcement timed to build momentum heading into the summer content slate announcements. The series is expected to target the streamer's core family and young adult demographic, a segment Disney+ has aggressively pursued following the success of live-action fairy tale properties.

Industry observers noted the announcement arrives as Disney+ continues to lean into its intellectual property vault, with 'Ella Enchanted' representing a recognisable title with strong nostalgic appeal among millennial viewers who grew up with the original film. The streaming wars have pushed all major platforms to mine beloved titles from the early 2000s, and the Levine novel's themes of autonomy and self-determination have been cited internally as particularly resonant for contemporary audiences.

No casting for the lead role of Ella has been confirmed at this stage, though Disney+ indicated a global search is underway. Production is expected to begin in the United Kingdom in late 2026, mirroring the original film's shooting locations. Anne Hathaway has not been confirmed for any involvement in the series, though speculation about a potential cameo or producer role has circulated in industry circles since the project's development was first reported.