Misty Copeland and Gigi Hadid get theatrical for 2019 Pirelli Calendar

Ballerina Misty Copeland, supermodel Gigi Hadid and Alexander Wang have been unveiled as some of the stars of the 2019 Pirelli Calendar.

A behind-the-scenes video for this year's calendar has been released by the brand, offering a glimpse of what looks like a very theatrical spin on the prestigious annual publication. Actresses Laetitia Casta and Julia Garner will also feature in the upcoming edition.

"Albert Watson, one of the world's most successful photographers, has taken that legacy and produced an extraordinary series of pictures reflecting the nature of dreams and ambitions in the 21st century," explains Pirelli in the teaser.

"It's an interpretation, a visual exploration of the changing nature of ambition and success as told through four female protagonists who are playing roles and three supporting male protagonists," Watson, a Scottish fashion photographer who was revealed as being in charge of this year's calendar back in June, told WWD. The creative takes over from Tim Walker, who shot the 2018 version.

Since being published for the first time in 1964, the limited-edition Pirelli Calendar has featured some of the most famous women in the world, shot by photographers such as Peter Lindbergh, Karl Lagerfeld and Annie Leibovitz.