A new cinematic adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s timeless classic, The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights, is currently in development in Russia. Sarik Andreasyan has been tapped to direct the upcoming feature.
The original narrative mirrors the themes found in the Brothers Grimm’s “Snow White,” centering on a young princess targeted by her stepmother’s lethal envy. Following a series of hardships and supported by loyal companions, the protagonist eventually finds her happy ending through true love, ensuring that justice is served.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Andreasyan Brothers Film Company and the TNT television network. To date, the most iconic rendition of the story remains the acclaimed 1951 Soviet animated film.
This announcement follows a period of significant commercial success for Andreasyan, as two of his films this year—”Prostokvashino” and “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”—each surpassed the 2-billion-ruble milestone at the box office. The filmmaker is also currently working on an ambitious adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” which is slated for a February 2027 release.
Photo: A still from the animated classic “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights” / Soyuzmultfilm