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Paul King’s ‘Prince Charming’ Plot Details Revealed

The first plot details on Paul King’s upcoming Prince Charming film have been revealed and they imply what the overall story might be.

Paul King's 'Prince Charming' Plot Details Revealed

After the news that Paul King would be working on a Prince Charming movie for Disney, we now have the first details on the plot.

Paul King is probably best known for his work as the director of the Paddington films, which have become modern classics thanks to their heartfelt storytelling and sharp humor, as well as a growing attachment to the relatable CGI bear. Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) were both critical and commercial successes, praised for their charm and ability to appeal to audiences of all ages. King’s direction elevated these films beyond typical family fare, blending whimsical humor with genuine emotional depth; cementing Paddington Bear as a beloved cinematic icon and making him an icon for multiple generations.

Following the Paddington films, King has shifted toward larger-scale studio blockbusters, marking an evolution in his career. His latest project, Wonka (2023), serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s classic story, focusing on the early life of Willy Wonka, played on screen by Timothée Chalamet. The film showcases King’s signature ability to bring a sense of wonder and magic to the screen, but on a much larger canvas. With its lavish production design, musical numbers and star-studded cast, Wonka represents a bold step into high-concept storytelling for King. Additionally, it seems like King isn’t finished yet with the world of Willy Wonka as the director confirmed they were working on a story for a sequel.

On the back of this, King is attached to direct Prince Charming for Disney, another big studio project that reimagines the classic fairy tale with a modern twist. These ventures signal his transition from cosy, character-driven stories to grand, spectacle-filled narratives, while still retaining his knack for humor and heart. King’s move into blockbuster territory also showcases his versatility and range as a filmmaker and his growing appeal to major studios eager to tap into his unique storytelling vision.

Paul King's 'Prince Charming' Plot Details Revealed
Wonka behind-the-scenes / Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

King’s storytelling bridges the gap between whimsical fantasy and heartfelt human experiences, making his movies accessible to kids while offering depth and humor that resonate with adults. For Disney, this ability to balance enchanting visuals with universally meaningful themes makes King an ideal choice to helm projects that honor the studio’s tradition of family-friendly storytelling while pushing creative boundaries.

And thanks to industry insider DanielRPK, we now have our first plot details.

What Is The Plot of Prince Charming?

The main plot of the film revolves around an animator, played by the prepossessing Daisy Edgar Jones, whose drawing of Prince Charming, played by Chris Hemsworth, will come to life.

This concept is full of narrative potential, but it is nothing we haven’t seen before. It could delve into how Prince Charming adjusts to the modern world, questioning his place and purpose outside of a fairy tale context – which we have seen many times, even in Disney films like Enchanted. It may also challenge Jones’ character of the animator to reconsider her own ideas about love and perfection as she interacts with her idealised creation. The dynamic between the two characters offers plenty of room for comedic moments, personal growth, and poignant revelations.

Paul King's 'Prince Charming' Plot Details Revealed
Twisters / Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Most notably, it is very similar to a huge success from 2023 – Barbie. The story of that film follows a real life office worker for Mattel who’s drawings of Barbie have real effects on the stereotypical Barbie in Barbieland, causing her to come to the real world and find out why she is going through these abnormal changes. Whilst it’s not identical, it is likely that this ‘fish out of water’/drawing come to life idea has spawned from arguably the biggest movie of the decade and that Disney is attempting to capture even a fraction of that success – which is clear even from their lead, having fan favourite Chris Hemsworth as the face of this new origin movie.

Prince Charming will be directed by Paul King. The movie stars Chris Hemsworth and Daisy Edgar-Jones, with more cast members to be revealed.

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Lewis is based in the UK and writes about films and awards at Feature First.