Johnny Depp is in talks to star as the Baker in Rob Marshall’s film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical Into the Woods, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Depp would join previously announced star Meryl Streep, who will take on the flashy role of the Witch.
A witty reimagining of beloved fairy tales, Into the Woods centers on the Baker (Depp) and his wife, who make a deal with an evil witch (Streep) in order to conceive. Their odyssey into the woods brings the couple face-to-face with Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack and his magical beans. The musical also explores what happens after these fairytale characters get their “happily ever after.”
The Disney production will mark Depp’s second time starring in a film adaptation of a Sondheim musical. Depp previously appeared as the title character in the big-screen version of Sweeney Todd in 2007. Other famous Depp credits include Edward Scissorhands, Cry-Baby, 21 Jump Street, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland, Blow, Donnie Brasco, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and the Pirates of the Caribeean franchise.
Check out Depp’s Sweeney Todd in the clip below.