It’s true–Johnny Depp will play Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street, in a film version of the much-honored Stephen Sondheim musical to be directed by Tim Burton. DreamWorks Studios announced the news today (August 16); Warner Bros. will join with them in bringing SWEENEY TODD to the screen. Production on SWEENEY TODD is scheduled to begin “early next year for a late 2007 release.”

SWEENEY TODD will mark Johnny Depp’s 6th collaboration with longtime friend Tim Burton; their previous work includes EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, ED WOOD, SLEEPY HOLLOW, and last year’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and CORPSE BRIDE.

No other cast members have been announced. Burton will work from John Logan’s adaptation of the Broadway musical, which features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. Logan’s previous work includes the screenplays for THE AVIATOR and GLADIATOR. SWEENEY TODD’s quartet of producers includes Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, Richard Zanuck (who also produced CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY) and screenwriter Logan. Paramount will distribute for DreamWorks domestically and Warner Bros. internationally.

The Zone thanks Theresa for breaking the news–you can read the full press release on the News & Views forum. Congratulations and best wishes to Johnny and Tim!