Chloe Moretz has agreed to star in Universal's live-action "Little Mermaid" film and Richard Curtis has been tapped to write the script based on the original Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Deadline reported. Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing and Liza Chasin and Amelia Granger will ne executive producers. Universal's EVP Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Chloe Yellin is at the helm of the project on behalf of the studio.
Fans have known Moretz as the young assassin in the "Kick-Ass" franchise. She also impresses filmmakers for her roles in "Let Me In," "Hugo," "Dark Shadows," "Carrie," "If I Stay" and "The Equalizer." She will be next seen in "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising," "Brain on Fire" and "The Fifth Wave."
Moretz has shared her excitement on Twitter. "Been waiting a long time to tell you guys! The Little Mermaid [is] going to be a beautiful experience! Can't wait to show everyone my Mermaid!" her tweet reads.
No director has been attached to the project yet after Sofia Coppola opted out of the project in July, citing creative differences with both of the studios. However, insiders who have spoken with Variety said that Coppola was unwillingly to work with a star like Moretz. The studios always had the young star as first choice.
Working Title has first announced the project in 2010. At the time it was announced that Joe Wright will helm the project. According to the official announcement, the live action adaptation will tell the story of the young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and the love of a human prince. The studio has said at the time it will remain true to the fairytale first published in 1837.
So far details have yet to emerge about how the studios involved would like to treat the "Little Mermaid." But given Curtis' filmography, the team might be aiming for something light-hearted and romantic. He wrote "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Love, Actually."
The fairytale has been adapted many times already, the most famous of all was as a Disney animated musical in 1989. It follows Ariel, a young beautiful young mermaid, who is fascinated by the human world to the objection of her father, King Triton. Sebastian the crab, who spies Ariel upon King's command, cannot keep her from watching and admiring Prince Eric from afar. Ursula, a sea witch, takes advantage of this. She lured Ariel by promising to make her human in exchange of her beautiful voice -- a significant step towards her larger scheme of reigning under the sea. On land, Prince Eric falls for Ariel. Together they prevent Ursula's evil plans, save the undersea and wed upon Triton's blessing.
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