Idris Elba To Direct And Star In 'The Hunchback Of Notre Dame' Musical For Netflix

Idris Elba To Direct And Star In ‘The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’ Musical For Netflix

Idris Elbawill be putting a sexier, modern-day spin onVictor Hugo’s Gothic classicThe Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Elba will be directing, producing, and starring inThe Hunchback of Notre Damefor Netflix in a movie that is described as a “sonic and musical experience.” But that’s not the best part — Elba, who is a pretty successful DJ when he’s not working as a Hollywood star, will also be producing original music for the feature.

Idris Elba is directing and starring in a new take onThe Hunchback of Notre Dame, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.

Michael Mitnick, who wrote films likeThe Current WarandThe Giver, will write the script forThe Hunchback of Notre Dame, which is set to be a modern-day retelling of the 19th century Gothic romance. Hugo’s original 1831 novel is the tragic tale of a deformed hunchback named Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame. The story follows Quasimodo and the gypsy dancer Esmerelda, who becomes victim to powerful men who are enchanted with her – including Quasimodo’s guardian, the Archdeacon Frollo.

This won’t be the first adaptation of the 19th century novel, which has been adapted into countless plays, movies, stage musicals, and of course, the 1996 Disney animated film. But it would be the first modern reinvention of the story.

Gothic romances are notoriously difficult to translate to modern day, especially one that plays into 19th century class and gender roles likeThe Hunchback of Notre Dame. But Elba’s modern retelling will likely take liberties with the story – much like Disney’s beloved animated film, which turned the story from a tragedy into a more traditional romance.

With the wild combination of elements (a musical! set in modern day! withfamed DJ Idris Elbaset to star!), I don’t expect the Idris ElbaThe Hunchback of Notre Damefilm to be anything like Hugo’s 19th century novel. If anything, it will likely keep some of the trappings of the novel (um, Idris Elba rings…bells?) while telling aBeauty and the Beast-lite romance, as is the case with many modern reinventions of Gothic stories. Though again, this is where I scoff at the premise, because who would cast Idris Elba as a deformed hunchback?

The Hunchback of Notre Dameis Elba’s latest foray behind the camera, having made his directorial debut this year with Sundance dramaYardie. He also created, executive produced, and will star in the Netflix comedyTurn Up Charlie.