The waves are breaking once again for Universal’s planned live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. From one director tragically stepping down (Sofia Coppola’s live-action Little Mermaid will remain a lost dream for this devoted fan) to rumors of another live-action Little Mermaid under Disney, Universal’s treatment of this classic fairy tale is in desperate need of some good news.
Well, it’s just been announced that the lead mermaid will be none other than Chloë Grace Moretz! Fresh off her recent work as the voice of Princess Kaguya for the English dub of The Tale of Princess Kaguya and her notable role as Hit-Girl from the Kick-Ass series, 18-year-old Moretz will dive into the tragic world of mermaids as told by Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, rather than the more famous 1989 Disney version. Writer Richard Curtis (Love Actually and War Horse) is also in talks to rework the script, while no director has been found since Coppola left. And, as mentioned when we thought Coppola was attached to this project, Universal doesn’t own any of the rights for the more whimsical Disney story.
Anderson’s 1837 classic The Little Mermaid has been the focus of many unique and beautiful adaptations in various media (for true mermaid fanatics, check out San Francisco Ballet’s stunning version, choreographed by John Neumeier). If this film adaptation is to stay true to the original fairy tale, expect less of that happily-ever-after romance and more passionate storytelling, as Moretz will portray the nameless 15-year-old daughter of a sea-king in a ethereal ocean world, where mermaids are fated to turn into sea-foam when they die.
We have high hopes for Moretz and the team that does eventually assemble for The Little Mermaid, but tell us what you think below about this major casting choice!
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Image Credit: Vogue Girl Magazine
