Netflix is bringing the classic children’s book character Eloise back to life in a new film starring Ryan Reynolds, alongside newcomer Mae Schenk. Schenk will portray the mischievous young girl living atop the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City, while Reynolds takes on the role of an original villain created for this fresh adaptation. This family-friendly movie marks a significant new chapter in the beloved series, with Netflix securing the rights after the project’s development started in 2020. The streaming platform describes the film as a completely original adventure inspired by the works of Kay Thompson and illustrator Hilary Knight.
Creative Team Behind the Modern ‘Eloise’ Film
Amy Sherman-Palladino, acclaimed for her work on Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, is leading the movie both as director and writer. She shares screenplay duties with Hannah Marks and Linda Woolverton, bringing together a team skilled in crafting engaging narratives. This collaboration seeks to capture the whimsy and spirit of the original books while presenting an inventive storyline to resonate with contemporary viewers.
Background and Production Details
The character of Eloise has a rich media history, previously appearing in television movies such as Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime produced by Walt Disney TV in 2003. The character also headlined the animated series Me, Eloise! on Starz Kids and Family Network in 2006. More recently, MRC acquired the film rights in 2019 and is overseeing production alongside Handmade Films, with shooting scheduled to begin in November. The production is collaborating closely with the Thompson estate, illustrator Hilary Knight, and the original book publisher Simon & Schuster to maintain the authenticity of the source material.
Statements from Key Figures on Reviving Eloise
Hannah Minghella, Netflix’s head of feature animation and family film, remarked on the timeless appeal of Eloise:
“Eloise has been beloved for generations, from when she was first published in the 1950s through to today, when no family trip to New York City is complete without a stop at The Plaza,”
and added,
“It’s an honor to reintroduce this cherished character to the world with two people who share her signature mischief and charm—Amy Sherman-Palladino and Ryan Reynolds—in this bold, hilarious, and heartfelt new family film.”
Jonathan Golfman and Brye Adler, co-presidents of MRC Film, expressed their enthusiasm about collaborating on the project:
“We’ve been working with the Thompson Estate and Handmade Films for a long time to bring Eloise to fans everywhere,”
and stated,
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Maximum Effort, Amy and Netflix to bring the cherished children’s property to audiences around the world.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau, co-presidents of production at Ryan Reynolds’ company Maximum Effort, shared their excitement about casting Mae Schenk:
“When Amy introduced us to Mae Schenk, we knew instantly she was Eloise,”
and added,
“She’s got the spark, the wit, and just the right amount of mischief. We’re so excited to introduce her to the world with our friends at MRC and Netflix.”
Production Collaboration and Future Outlook
Ryan Reynolds and Maximum Effort are also executive producing the film, alongside George Dewey, Ashley Fox, Johnny Pariseau, and Linda Woolverton. Molly Milstein from Maximum Effort will serve as executive producer, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project. With filming set to commence later this year, this new Eloise film aims to rekindle the magic of the original stories and introduce Eloise’s lively spirit to a new generation of viewers. The involvement of experienced creators and close partnerships with the original estate point to a thoughtful and faithful adaptation that honors both longtime fans and newcomers.
