Tim Burton's 'Maleficent' Gets 'Alice In Wonderland' Writer Linda Woolverton

Disney has reteamed with "Alice In Wonderland" scribe Linda Woolverton for a revisionist take on the "Sleeping Beauty" tale which is being eyed by Tim Burton as a potential directing gig.

Titled "Maleficent," the project will see Woolverton take a similar approach to 'Alice' in shaking up a classic tale — this time centering on the titular evil queen presumably offering a more sympathetic take to her story arc. In 1959's "Sleeping Beauty," Maleficent was portrayed as a green-skinned, sinister fairy who was the self-proclaimed the 'Mistress Of All Evil.' In fact, the name Maleficent itself means 'evil doer.'

While the potential project will see Burton tread similar ground, it's an intriguing concept that at least sounds more interesting that a 3D stop-motion 'Addam's Family' or feature length version of "Frankenweenie." Where the project would lie in Burton's upcoming schedule though remains to be seen. The helmer has a couple of projects in the works, one being his reunion with Johnny Depp on their film adaptation of "Dark Shadows." While both parties have expressed a desire to shoot that this fall, the problem seems to be getting John August's script ready in time which may be why Burton is opening up other options.

Despite AICN reporting rumors of its development as early as January this year, the recruitment of Woolverton ("The Lion King," "Beauty And The Beast") is the first step in the project's development with things possibly staying quiet on that front until a script is completed.