Sofia Coppola is in talks to direct a live-action adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's melancholy fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.
The trend of fairy tales becoming part of our world through live-action continues as Universal Pictures seems intent on adapting the Hans Christian Andersen classic “The Little Mermaid” to the big screen. According to Deadline, Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, The Bling Ring) is in talks with the studio to helm the project, which would return to the more complex and tragic roots of the Danish children’s story.
The film has long been in development with drafts turned in by Abi Morgan (Shame) and Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey), and at one point Joe Wright was close to signing on the project before choosing instead to fly off to Neverland with Warner Brothers’ Pan. The current script is being penned by Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands), as Universal and Working Title are looking to fast-track the project. On paper, it would appear to be Coppola’s most commercial picture to date if she signs.
The story of Andersen’s original is far different from Disney’s famed The Little Mermaid. Besides not being named “Ariel,” the titular mermaid’s bargain for legs costs her more than a voice—it costs her the tongue that made it. She also cannot walk without feeling as if her feet are bleeding. Not to mention, the story doesn’t end as happily as some might believe.
The possibility of Coppola taking the helm would add to this.
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