Carrie Fisher’s film Wonderwell has a release date after a “dangerous” seven years, Deadline reported on Wednesday.
The late Star Wars icon, who passed away in late 2016 at the age of 60, filmed the fantasy film weeks before her death.
Fisher stars in the feature film alongside Rita Ora, Nell Tiger Free, Sebastian Croft and rising star Kiera Milward.
The film is Vlad Marsavin’s directorial debut and is set to hit theaters on June 23, 2023, followed by a digital release.
This came after Vertical acquired the North American and UK/Ireland rights to the project.
Coming Soon: Carrie Fisher’s film Wonderwell has a release date after a “dangerous” seven years, Deadline reported on Wednesday
Co-Star: Singer and actress Rita Ora will appear alongside the late star in the upcoming film
Marsavin told Deadline about the forthcoming release, “The journey we took as filmmakers with this film was just as perilous as the film itself.”
He continued, “It took us seven years from filming to showing.” The visual effects of a film of this magnitude take time, but the lockdowns and of course the death of our beautiful Carrie Fisher have presented us with major challenges.
“Now is the perfect time to share her magical movie moments as Hazel.”
The director said the film’s release was hampered by visual effects obstacles, which impacted the budget and resulted in a lengthy delay.
He also pointed out that the film will include a dedication to Fisher, whose death came as a “huge shock” to him.
After suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles in December 2016, the cult star died four days later.
Vlad recalled Carrie, telling the outlet, “Carrie was full of energy during filming and even celebrated her 60th birthday with us in Italy, where we shot the movie.”
“After a late night shoot that lasted until 2am, she invited the whole team to party with her and the party was eventually shut down by the police because they felt it was a little too loud.
“Her passing was very emotional for the whole team.”
Flashback: Carrie pictured in Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope from 1977
Recalling her time with the legend, Rita said, “Working with Carrie Fisher was one of those experiences you never forget.”
“I can’t wait for the world to see the fascinating and magical world of Wonderwell.”
The film is set in an environment that blends contemporary Italy with an imaginative world.
It’s a coming-of-age story about Violet (played by Milward), a curious girl living in Italy with her American parents and older sister Savannah (played by Tiger Free).
Savannah is chosen to be a model for fashion designer Yana’s (played by Ora) label, prompting the family of four to travel to a medieval village for a photoshoot.
Feeling overshadowed by her beautiful older sibling, Violet wanders into a forest where she meets Hazel (Fisher), who warns her about Danieled, Yana’s worried stepson Daniele (played by Croft).
Violet is then shown a portal that gives her a glimpse of her future.
Fred Roos, famous for his collaboration with Ford Coppola, produced the film, which stars Alexander Roos, Orian Williams, Lee Rudnicki, Robert Bernacchi and Marsavin.
VLR: Carrie’s daughter Billie Lourd, mother Debbie Reynolds, Carrie in January 2015
Rudnicki previously shared that watching Fisher’s “heartbreaking” final scene in the film brought tears to his eyes.
William Ross was responsible for the film’s music and the screenplay was written by William Brookfield.
Tony Piantedosi, Senior Vice President of Vertical’s Acquisitions, said: “The film is a whimsical story with captivating imagery and truly transports the viewer to another world.”
“Newcomer Kiera Milward holds her own with legends Carrie and Rita captivating in their roles.” “It’s a film that will appeal to consumers of all ages.”