The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

About The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a 2018 fantasy adventure film inspired by E. T. A. Hoffmann's classic tale and "The Nutcracker" ballet. The story follows Clara, played by Mackenzie Foy, who receives a mysterious egg-shaped box as a posthumous gift from her mother, leading her to a magical parallel world composed of four realms.

Making / Production

Directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and produced by Mark Gordon, the movie is a retelling of the classic story. Adding a visual twist to the enduring tale, Disney's imaginative filmmakers created a fantastical world with breathtaking visuals, groundbreaking visual effects, and grand set designs.

Actors

• Mackenzie Foy as Clara: A curious and intelligent young girl who embarks on a magical journey into the Four Realms. Foy's performance brings a brave and dynamic heroine to life.
• Keira Knightley as Sugar Plum Fairy: The sweet yet eccentric ruler of the Land of Sweets. Knightley's whimsical performance adds a fascinating flair to the character.
• Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeyer: Clara’s godfather who is a mysterious and wise clockmaker.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was originally set to be directed solely by Lasse Hallström, but he couldn't commit to the reshoots due to scheduling conflicts, thus Joe Johnston was hired to direct the reshoots.
• This was the second time Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley shared the screen, after "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" in 2014.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's musical score was composed by James Newton Howard, incorporating Tchaikovsky's music from the original "Nutcracker" ballet.
• Lang Lang performed the piano solos whereas Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli performed the original duet titled "Fall On Me" for the film’s closing credits.

Quotes

• "Your mother created our world... I was her favorite out of all the realms." - Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley)
• "You're in the Four Realms, Princess Clara" - The Nutcracker (Jayden Fowora-Knight)