NEW YORK CITY—A remake of the 1970s cult classic Bill Osco's Alice in Wonderland—penned by Osco and iconic writer/director Ken Russell—will go ahead as a posthumous tribute to the controversial British film maker. Russell, who died suddenly in his sleep on November 28th, was in the process of making final revisions to the script for the film, an adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale, which he was to direct in 2012... and it may be in 3D, although that part's not confirmed yet.
The original picture, released in 1976, and made on a budget of $500,000, went on to gross over $100 million at the box office at a time when the price of an adult ticket was only two dollars. Bill Osco's Alice remains today one of the most successful, highest grosssing, risqué musical comedies in motion picture history. Among its cast were early porn stars like Terri Hall, Juliet Graham, Nancy Dare, Bree Anthony and Tony Richards.
The movie's producers, Renaissance Media Entertainment, announced today that Russell's wife, Elize Tribble, will participate and assist the team in bringing forward the production of this musical remake of Bill Osco's groundbreaking feature.
"We are delighted that his wife Elize is coming on board and providing access to all of Ken's notes and other materials he kept on the project," said Stuart Young, a founding member of Renaissance Media Entertainment. "Ken Russell collaborated with us for over six months, and he brought an incredible creative intensity and passion to Alice. We want to make a film that keeps true to Ken's unique perspective for the project."
Challenging both critics and the audiences alike, the Oscar-nominated director was, arguably, best-known for his film Women in Love, the D.H. Lawrence classic which garnered Glenda Jackson an Oscar win for her portrayal of Gudrun Brangwen.
Considered one of the original enfants terribles of British cinema, other Russell films include The Devils, Tommy (based on the original rock opera by The Who), The Boyfriend, Lair of the White Worm, Crimes of Passion, and Altered States, among others.
Renaissance is continuing the process of fundraising for the project in conjunction with the efforts of Los Angeles attorney George Braunstein. Shooting is expected to begin early in 2012, after the company secures the services of a suitable director.
