Misty Copeland will star in Disney’s upcoming live action movie of “The Nutcracker,” playing the lead ballerina role in the sole dance sequence in the film.

The live action project will be called “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” and is based on the 1816 story “The Nutcrackers and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The classic story is about a young girl named Clara who, on Christmas Eve, receives a wooden nutcracker from her godfather. When Clara goes to check on her new toy later that night, the clock strikes midnight. Suddenly the nutcracker grows to life size, and Clara finds herself in the middle of a battle between gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.

Since its initial debut in 1892, The Nutcraker has become a holiday season staple performed by major professional dance companies and amateur dancers alike. It has been adapted for screen a handful of times before, but with little success. Disney is hoping to change that.

Mark Gordon will be producing the movie. His work includes “Saving Private Ryan,”  “2012,” “Steve Jobs,” and the upcoming “War Dogs.” The film will be directed by Lasse Hallstorm and was written by Ashleigh Powell. Lindy Goldstein, Sam Dickerman and Sara Smith are also joining the staff for the film.

Copeland made the announcement to her followers on Instagram by sending out a photo of a copy of the film’s script with her name branded across the front.

‘I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing project with Disney and the wonderful Lasse Hallstrom,’ Misty wrote on the post on Wednesday.

Copeland was the first African American woman to be the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre last year, giving her widespread recognition. She also was the subject of the 2015 documentary “A Ballerina’s Tale.”