<P> The project was first announced on March 4, 2016, which stated that Disney is developing The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, with Lasse Hallström set to direct, continuing its model of developing classic fairy tales . The project is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann, with Ashleigh Powell on board to write the script . On July 27, 2016, it was announced that Mackenzie Foy was cast as the lead of the film as Clara . Misty Copeland confirmed joining the project via her Instagram and that she will play the lead ballerina role in the sole dance sequence in the film . Variety reported on July 29, 2016, that Morgan Freeman was joining the cast . On August 16, 2016, it was revealed that Keira Knightley will play the Sugar Plum Fairy . Helen Mirren was cast on August 25, 2016 as the villainous Mother Ginger . The Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez confirmed his participation on the film on March 21, 2017 as the Flower Realm King . </P> <P> Filming began in October 2016 in South Kensington and Pinewood Studios in England, and wrapped in late January 2017 . On December 12, 2017, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Joe Johnston would helm 32 days of reshoots due to Hallström being unavailable . Hallström will still oversee post-production . </P> <P> The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is set to be released on November 2, 2018 in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, replacing the original date set for the Disney's live adaptation of Mulan . The teaser trailer was released on December 19, 2017, in front of The Greatest Showman . </P>

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