Live Action Version of THE LITTLE MERMAID in the Works at Disney?

Deadline reports exclusively that Disney executives are in the early stages of planning a live-action feature film based on the Hans Christian Andersen classic THE LITTLE MERMAID. According to the report, Disney production chiefs were recently presented with "a new take" on the story and are presently deciding whether to move forward with the project. In addition, the site reports that initial discussions have also occurred with "major producers, including some with a strong connection to the studio."

Walt Disney released an animated version of Ariel's underwater tale in 1989, featuring musical classics from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman such as "Under The Sea" and "Kiss the Girl." The film helped launch a new wave of animation

from the studio, including BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, which will be released on March 17, 2017 as a live-action feature film starring Emma Watson, and ALADDIN, now enjoying a successful run on Broadway. In 2008, a stage adaptation of THE LITTLE MERMAID opened at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It marked the Broadway debut of Sierra Boggess in the title role.

Universal Studios recently announced their own live-action version of THE LITTLE MERMAID, set to star Chloe Grace Moretz in the title role. Rebecca Thomas will direct from a script by Richard Curtis.

Other Disney projects heading for the big screen include Alice Through the Looking Glass (May 27) Pete's Dragon (August 12), and live action films of Cruella with Emma Stone set for the title role, A Wrinkle in Time, Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson set to star; Dumbo with director Tim Burton; and a sequel to Mary Poppins from director Rob Marshall, starring Emily Blunt and HAMILTON's Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Image courtesy of Walt Disney