This must be the age of the live-action fairytale adaptation. Think of any one fairytale, and there's probably already a live-action version of that. There are even cinematic versions of some of the more popular bedtime story classics that doesn't exactly follow the traditional plot and have modern twists added to them.
And now, it looks like one more fairytale will be adapted for the big screen, sans the animation.
"Mouse House executives are calling the project 'The Beast' and have recruited Joe Ahearne to write the script," Screen Rant said last year. "Ahearne co-wrote the upcoming Danny Boyle-directed thriller 'Trance' (loosely based on the screenwriter's 2001 TV movie), in addition to previously writing for the TV series 'Ultraviolet' and 'Apparitions' and the forthcoming 'Da Vinci's Demons.'"
"His resume suggests Ahearne was brought aboard to write a darker fairy tale re-imagining - something which pushes Disney's family-friendly boundaries further than Tim Burton's gloomy vision of Wonderland," the site added.
So, we'll have yet another "dark" version of what was a generally "sunny" fairytale, despite the Beast's beastly temper.
Last month, Variety reported that Disney has signed on Bill Condon to direct the said film. However, instead of Ahearne, the company has gone with Evan Spiliotopoulos for the scriptwriting duties.
"Condon is best known for his hit feature adaptation of the musical "Dreamgirls," and his experience in helming a film with strong musical elements will help this film, which could very easily go down that path. Condon also penned the script to the widely successful adaptation of musical 'Chicago,'" the news source said. "He also delivered two of the best reviewed films in the 'Twilight' series."
On that note, does this mean Kristen Stewart may be picked for the plum role of Belle? After all, Condon has worked with the actress on the "Twilight" franchise. KpopStarz also noted of a report that a source "close to the director" said that Robert Pattinson's ex is being eyed for the role by Condon. However, it's also possible that she will be passed over considering the fact that the project might be made in 2015 or 2016, which makes the actress a bit too mature for the role.
Previously, it has been reported that "Pacific Rim" director, Guillermo del Toro, may make his own "Beauty and the Beast" live action film. However, not much updates on this project has been made, although it was rumored that "Harry Potter" star, Emma Watson, may be signed on to play Belle. If this does happen, there'll be a major comparison-fest going on, especially involving the lead actress in both films.
Speaking of which, who do you think is more fit for the role of Belle? K-Stew or Emma?
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