Netflix's Eloise Film: Reynolds as Villain, Schenk Stars

Ready for a rawther exciting announcement? The iconic Plaza Hotel resident, Eloise, is getting a live-action movie on Netflix, starring newcomer Mae Schenk and featuring Ryan Reynolds in a villainous role!

TL;DR – Here's the Latest on the "Eloise" Movie!

Newcomer Mae Schenk is officially cast as the mischievous Eloise.
Ryan Reynolds will star as a brand-new original villain and is also producing the film.
Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creative genius behind Gilmore Girls, is directing and co-writing this family adventure for Netflix.

Well, pip-pip and cheerio, movie fans! Get ready to check into the Plaza Hotel because a beloved children's book character is making her grand live-action debut on Netflix, and the casting news is absolutely to die for! We're talking about none other than the "rawther" mischievous Eloise, and she's bringing some serious star power with her.

Netflix just dropped the exciting news that a live-action adaptation of Kay Thompson's classic Eloise books is officially happening. And hold onto your hats: it's not just a new film, it's a star-studded affair with Hollywood heavyweight Ryan Reynolds stepping into an unexpected role, and fresh face Mae Schenk taking on the titular character. Plus, the creative vision comes from Amy Sherman-Palladino, the brilliant mind behind your favorite fast-talking TV shows like Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

The Unexpected Dream Team Bringing Eloise's World to Life

This isn't just any old adaptation; it's shaping up to be a truly unique take. Amy Sherman-Palladino is not only directing this exciting project but is also co-writing the script alongside Hannah Marks and Linda Woolverton. If those names sound familiar, they should! Woolverton has penned scripts for beloved Disney classics like Maleficent, ensuring this new Eloise adventure has some serious storytelling pedigree.

The film is described as a "wholly original adventure" based on the world of Eloise, which means we'll get a fresh story while still celebrating the spirit of Kay Thompson's iconic books and Hilary Knight's charming illustrations. So, while we don't have a detailed plotline just yet, we know it will capture the essence of the spirited girl living on the "tippy-top floor" of New York City's legendary Plaza Hotel.

Independent film and TV studio MRC acquired the rights to Eloise back in 2019, working diligently to bring this cherished property to the big screen. They've been collaborating with the Thompson Estate, illustrator Hilary Knight, and publisher Simon & Schuster, promising a film that truly honors the original material while offering something new for fans.

Ryan Reynolds Embraces His Inner "Rawther" Original Villain

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Now, here's where things get really interesting: Ryan Reynolds! Known for his charming heroes, witty anti-heroes, and super-fast quips (hello, Deadpool!), Reynolds is taking a surprising turn. He's signed on to play an "original villainous character" created specifically for this film. That's right, one of Hollywood's most likable stars is going to be the bad guy, and honestly, we can't wait to see it!

Beyond his on-screen role, Reynolds is also heavily involved behind the scenes. His production company, Maximum Effort, is producing the film, with George Dewey, Ashley Fox, and Johnny Pariseau joining him. Linda Woolverton is also producing, and Molly Milstein is executive producing for Maximum Effort. This means Reynolds isn't just showing up to deliver lines; he's helping shape the entire vision for this new family adventure.

"Eloise has been beloved for generations, from when she was first published in the 1950s through to today, when no family trip to New York City is complete without a stop at The Plaza. It’s an honor to reintroduce this cherished character to the world with two people who share her signature mischief and charm – Amy Sherman-Palladino and Ryan Reynolds – in this bold, hilarious, and heartfelt new family film."

— Hannah Minghella, Netflix's Head of Feature Animation and Family Film

Meet Mae Schenk: Stepping Into Eloise's Iconic Shoes for the First Time

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Finding the perfect Eloise is no small feat, but the team seems to have struck gold with newcomer Mae Schenk. This will be Schenk's feature film debut, and the buzz around her casting is already huge. Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau, Co-Presidents of Production at Maximum Effort, were reportedly instantly convinced she was the one.

"She’s got the spark, the wit, and just the right amount of mischief," they said in a statement. "We’re so excited to introduce her to the world with our friends at MRC and Netflix." We can't think of a better endorsement, and we're definitely eager to see her bring Eloise's infectious energy and playful spirit to life.

Speaking of getting started, principal photography for the film is set to kick off this very month, in November 2025! This means things are moving quickly, and we might not have to wait too long for more sneak peeks and updates.

Eloise's Journey From Beloved Books to the Live-Action Screen

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For those who grew up with Eloise, you know she's no stranger to adaptations. Kay Thompson's original books, first published in 1955 and beautifully illustrated by Hilary Knight, quickly became a staple in children's literature. The series follows Eloise, a spirited six-year-old who lives with her Nanny, her pug dog Weenies, and her turtle Skipperdee in the grand Plaza Hotel in New York City. Her adventures are a blend of charming mischief and boundless imagination.

Before this Netflix feature, Eloise had a couple of popular made-for-television Movies. In 2003, Disney's ABC aired Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime, which famously starred Sofia Vassilieva as Eloise and the legendary Julie Andrews as Nanny. These films captured the hearts of a new generation. Later, in 2006, an animated TV series called Me, Eloise! also ran on the Starz Kids and Family Network.

Various attempts to bring Eloise back to the big screen have been in development for years, with different creative teams attached at various points. But it's fantastic to see that Netflix, alongside MRC, is now pushing forward, ensuring the film honors the original spirit of the beloved property while offering a fresh narrative.

Why Netflix Is the Perfect Home for Eloise's Latest Escapade

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You might be wondering how this big project landed at Netflix. Interestingly, the film was initially set up at Paramount. However, following the recent Skydance merger, Paramount decided to let some projects seek new homes to avoid "development purgatory." Netflix, always on the lookout for exciting new content, moved quickly to snap up the rights.

This makes a lot of sense, especially considering Ryan Reynolds' successful track record with the streamer. He's already delivered massive hits for Netflix like Red Notice and The Adam Project, proving his appeal to their global audience. Bringing him back, especially in a fresh role like a villain, is a smart move. Add to that Amy Sherman-Palladino's feature film directorial debut and Netflix's ever-growing slate of family-friendly films (like their recent success with KPop Demon Hunters), and it looks like Eloise is in a truly "rawther" good place!

The excitement around this project is palpable. With a fantastic cast, a renowned director, and the backing of a global streaming giant, Eloise's new live-action adventure promises to be a "bold, hilarious, and heartfelt" film for families everywhere. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates, and we hope you are too!

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Live-Action Eloise Movie

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When will the live-action Eloise movie be released on Netflix?

A specific release date for the new Eloise film on Netflix has not yet been announced. However, principal photography is scheduled to begin in November 2025, so we can expect more information on the release timeline once filming is underway.

Who is starring as Eloise in the new Netflix film adaptation?

Newcomer Mae Schenk has been cast in the coveted lead role of Eloise. This will mark her feature film debut!

Is Ryan Reynolds playing a good character or a villain in the upcoming Eloise movie?

Ryan Reynolds will be playing an "original villainous character" created specifically for this new Eloise film, stepping outside his usual heroic or anti-hero roles.

What will the new Eloise movie be about and where is it set?

The film is described as a "wholly original adventure" inspired by Kay Thompson's beloved Eloise book series. The full logline is currently under wraps, but it will certainly capture the spirit of Eloise and her life at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City.

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