Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, The Bling Ring) is, according to Deadline, in negotiations to direct Universal Pictures and Working Title Films’ upcoming take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Little Mermaid. Joe Wright was previously looking to direct the live-action feature.
Edward Scissorhands scribe Caroline Thompson is currently rewriting the project, which has previously been drafted by Fifty Shades of Grey and Saving Mr. Banks screenwriter Kelly Marcel and, before that, Brick Lane and Shame‘s Abi Morgan.
Andersen’s story, which follows a young mermaid who gives up her life in the sea for a human prince, was first published in 1837 and has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen. Wright’s version is inspired by a children’s puppet theatre production of the classic at London’s Little Angel Theatre Company.
(Photo Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN.com)
