Disney travels AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

By: Patrick Sauriol
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Source: Walt Disney Pictures

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution has picked up the domestic film rights to AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, the adventure film starring Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan and a host of stars in cameo roles. The studio is now targeting the film for an unspecified summer 2004 release date.

In a statement released by the studio, Walt Disney Chariman Dick Cook said "AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS is quality family entertainment and another great motion picture from the folks at Walden Media. After seeing the film this weekend, we were convinced that this was a perfect release for summer 2004 and we wanted to be involved in bringing it to the moviegoing public. This is a terrific ensemble cast of actors in this updated version of the Jules Verne classic and brings new excitement that today's audience are going to love."

Chan, Coogan and French actress Cecile De France play three intrepid 19th century hot-air balloon explorers who agree to a wager that they can circumnavigate the globe in under three months. As the trio traverse their way around the world they land in many countries and meet a variety of exotic characters such as the Wright Brothers (Owen and Luke Wilson), Queen Victoria (Kathy Bates), a Turkish Prince (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a Scotland Yard Sergeant (John Cleese), a fellow hot-air balloon engineer (Richard Branson) and a an eccentric inventor (Rob Schneider).


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