Keira Knightley joins The Nutcracker as Sugar Plum Fairy

Keira Knightley is set to sprinkle her magic as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Disney’s upcoming Nutcracker film.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star is the latest addition to the cast of the live-action movie, which will be titled The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Based on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet and a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the tale centres on a Nutcracker doll who comes to life on Christmas Eve and introduces a young girl, called Clara, to a fairytale world of living toys.
Knightley takes on the iconic role and will lead the famous Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy – one of the ballet world’s signature pieces.
The British actress has long been a fan of ballet, and previously shared her love for dance in an interview with the U.K.’s Daily Express, saying, “I adore the ballet, especially Swan Lake. I try to see as many ballets as I can but it’s not something I thought of doing myself. You have to start at it very young so I missed out and acting was always my thing, but I do love it.”
Knightley joins ballet sensation Misty Copeland and Twilight actress Mackenzie Foy, who will lead the cast, while Morgan Freeman is also attached.
Filmmaker Lasse Hallstrom will direct.