Emma Thompson
Film Critic & Writer • Updated 3 days ago
Since Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novella The Little Prince was first published in 1943, it has captivated readers of all ages with its profound wisdom and heartwarming story. The timeless tale has been adapted into various forms, including the screen, with two notable film adaptations: the 1974 musical film and the 2015 animated feature. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the talented casts behind these cinematic interpretations of the beloved story.
"The Little Prince is a story that transcends age and culture, reminding us of the importance of love, friendship, and seeing the world through the eyes of wonder."
The 1974 Musical Adaptation
the little prince 1974 movieThe 1974 musical adaptation of The Little Prince was directed by Stanley Donen and featured a screenplay by Alan Jay Lerner. The film took a unique approach by combining live-action and animation, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captured the essence of the original story.
The movie featured an all-star cast, with movie the little prince 1974 showcasing some incredible performances that brought the characters to life in a way that was both charming and profound. Let's take a look at the key members of the cast:
Mark Lester as The Little Prince
Mark Lester, known for his role in Oliver!, brought a sense of innocence and curiosity to the titular character. His performance captured the Little Prince's journey of discovery as he travels from planet to planet, encountering various eccentric characters along the way.
Richard Kiley as The Aviator
Richard Kiley played the role of the Aviator, the adult narrator who meets the Little Prince in the desert. Kiley's deep, resonant voice added gravitas to the character, perfectly balancing the Aviator's worldly wisdom with his childlike wonder.
Gene Wilder as The Fox
The legendary Gene Wilder brought his unique brand of whimsy and warmth to the role of the Fox. His performance highlighted the Fox's wisdom and playful nature, particularly in the famous scene where he teaches the Little Prince about the meaning of "taming."
Tony Perkins as The Snake
Tony Perkins delivered a haunting performance as the mysterious Snake, the creature who provides the Little Prince with the means to return to his planet. Perkins' portrayal added an air of enigmatic calm to the role.
1974 Movie Details
Director
Stanley Donen
Writers
Alan Jay Lerner (screenplay), Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (novel)
Music
Michel Legrand
Release Date
December 18, 1974
Budget
$8 million
Box Office
$11.4 million
Watch The 1974 Movie
the little prince movie watchThe 2015 Animated Adaptation
the little prince 2015 full movieThe 2015 adaptation of The Little Prince took a unique approach by combining 2D hand-drawn animation with 3D computer-generated imagery. Directed by Mark Osborne, the film added a new layer to the story by framing it within a modern-day narrative involving a young girl and her relationship with an eccentric old aviator.
This adaptation featured an international cast of acclaimed actors lending their voices to the beloved characters. le petit prince animated movie brought a fresh perspective to the timeless tale, with stunning visuals and a heartfelt story that resonated with audiences worldwide. Here's a look at the talented voices behind the 2015 adaptation:
Mackenzie Foy as The Little Girl
Mackenzie Foy, known for her role in Interstellar, voiced the young girl who discovers the story of the Little Prince through her friendship with the Aviator. Foy captured the character's curiosity and vulnerability, perfectly embodying the spirit of a child on the cusp of adolescence.
Jeff Bridges as The Aviator
Jeff Bridges lent his distinctive voice and charm to the role of the Aviator, now an elderly man who shares his story with the young girl. Bridges brought depth and warmth to the character, creating a perfect balance between the Aviator's playful nature and his underlying sadness.
Rachel McAdams as The Mother
Rachel McAdams portrayed the Little Girl's overly ambitious mother, who is determined to prepare her daughter for a successful future. McAdams captured the character's well-intentioned but overbearing nature, providing a contrast to the free-spirited Aviator.
Paul Rudd as The Little Prince
Paul Rudd provided the voice for the grown-up version of the Little Prince, who has become a busy businessman known as the "Businessman." Rudd's performance beautifully captured the character's transformation from an innocent child to a world-weary adult, before rediscovering his true self.
James Franco as The Snake
James Franco lent his voice to the mysterious Snake, who remains a pivotal figure in the Little Prince's journey. Franco's smooth, slightly menacing voice added an intriguing layer to the character, emphasizing the Snake's role as a guide rather than a villain.
Saoirse Ronan as The Fox
Saoirse Ronan brought a sense of wisdom and warmth to the role of the Fox, who teaches the Little Prince about love, loss, and the importance of seeing with the heart. Ronan's performance perfectly captured the Fox's playful yet profound nature.
2015 Movie Details
Director
Mark Osborne
Writers
Irena Brignull, Bob Persichetti, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (novel)
Music
Alexandre Desplat
Release Date
October 22, 2015
Budget
$60 million
Box Office
$103.8 million
Awards & Nominations
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature
- BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film
- Nominated for Best Original Score at the Golden Globes
Watch The 2015 Movie
Comparing the Two Adaptations
Aspect | 1974 Musical | 2015 Animated |
---|---|---|
Director | Stanley Donen | Mark Osborne |
Style | Live-action with animation | 2D/3D hybrid animation |
Narrative | Faithful to the novella | Framed within a modern story |
Little Prince | Mark Lester (live-action) | Voice by Paul Rudd (animated) |
Aviator | Richard Kiley | Jeff Bridges |
Fox | Gene Wilder | Saoirse Ronan |
Reception | Mixed reviews, cult following | Critical acclaim, commercial success |
Which Adaptation Should You Watch?
Choose the 1974 Version If:
- You enjoy musicals and want to experience the story through song
- You're interested in seeing a unique blend of live-action and animation
- You want to see iconic performances from Gene Wilder and Richard Kiley
- You prefer a more straightforward adaptation of the novella
Choose the 2015 Version If:
- You appreciate stunning animation and visual storytelling
- You want a version that adds a modern twist to the classic story
- You're a fan of the voices of Jeff Bridges, Paul Rudd, or Saoirse Ronan
- You're looking for a heartwarming story that explores growing up
Behind the Scenes
The Making of le petit prince movie
Discover the creative process behind the 2015 animated adaptation, from the unique animation style to the challenges of bringing Saint-Exupéry's vision to life on screen.
movie le petit princeThe 1974 Musical: A Retrospective
Take a look back at the making of the 1974 musical adaptation, including the challenges of translating a beloved novella into a cinematic musical experience.
the little prince 1974 movieFull Cast List
1974 Movie Cast
- Mark Lester The Little Prince
- Richard Kiley The Aviator
- Gene Wilder The Fox
- Tony Perkins The Snake
- Siobhan McKenna The Rose
- Jack Wild The Lamplighter
- Vincent Price The Businessman
2015 Movie Cast
- Mackenzie Foy The Little Girl
- Jeff Bridges The Aviator
- Paul Rudd The Little Prince
- Rachel McAdams The Mother
- James Franco The Snake
- Saoirse Ronan The Fox
- Marion Cotillard The Rose
Cast Trivia
- Gene Wilder was inspired by his own experiences as a child when preparing for his role as the Fox in the 1974 adaptation.
- Jeff Bridges not only provided the voice for the Aviator in the 2015 film but also served as an executive producer.
- The role of the Little Prince in the 2015 adaptation required Paul Rudd to voice both the young prince and his grown-up counterpart.
- Mark Lester, who played the Little Prince in 1974, was only 16 years old at the time of filming.
Related Movies
The Frog Prince
1974 • Fantasy
Beauty and the Beast
2017 • Musical Fantasy
Pinocchio
2022 • Fantasy
Alice in Wonderland
2010 • Fantasy Adventure
Final Thoughts
Both the 1974 and 2015 adaptations of The Little Prince offer unique perspectives on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless story. While the 1974 musical version stays closer to the original novella with its blend of live-action and animation, the 2015 animated adaptation adds a modern framing device that resonates with contemporary audiences.
What makes both films truly special is the incredible talent of their casts. From the iconic performances of Gene Wilder and Richard Kiley in the 1974 version to the powerful voices of Jeff Bridges, Paul Rudd, and Saoirse Ronan in the 2015 adaptation, each actor brings depth and authenticity to their roles, ensuring that the spirit of the Little Prince's journey lives on.
Why The Little Prince Endures
"The Little Prince reminds us of the importance of preserving our sense of wonder and curiosity, even as we navigate the complexities of adulthood. It's a story about love, loss, and the bonds that connect us all—a message that remains as relevant today as it was when the book was first published."
Whether you're a longtime fan of the novella or discovering the story for the first time, both film adaptations offer a magical journey that will captivate audiences of all ages. So sit back, relax, and let the enchanting world of The Little Prince transport you to places where the heart reigns supreme.