Shankman's film will arrive on screens in late 2013, in time for the Christmas season. Darren Lemke ("Shrek Forever After") authored the screenplay that uses E.T.A. Hoffman's short novel "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" as its source.
Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen are attached as producers. "The Nutracker" will mark Shankman's third film for New Line.
The film adaptation of "Rock of Ages," which includes Tom Cruise, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin among its cast, will hit theatres June 1, 2012.