Fairy tales are the hottest thing in Hollywood these days. Disney is dominating the box office with "Oz the Great and Powerful," and now the studio is throwing yet another one on the to-do pile.
In addition to making moves on an "Oz" sequel, Disney is in the beginning stages of revamping "Beauty and the Beast" for an audience thirsty for a slightly twisted take on the classic story.
According to Deadline, the studio is reportedly interested in screenwriter Joe Ahearne for "The Beast," as it's being called. In addition to penning the trippy script to Danny Boyle's upcoming sci-fi flick, "Trance," Ahearne has plenty of TV experience; he's written and directed a number of "Dr. Who" episodes, as well as the spooky BBC show "Apparitions." It's not confirmed, but industry folks are guessing the film will be in 3D like "Oz" and Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," which was critically reviled but ridiculously successful around the world.
"The Beast" is one among many dark fairy tale adaptations headed for movie theaters in the upcoming months. In addition to "Maleficent," "Cinderella," and "Frozen," there's also another live-action "Beauty and the Beast" in the works, by director Guillermo del Toro. It will be interesting to see how many of these projects get off the ground, or if the luster will wear off of fantastical stories before the next big superhero blockbuster comes around.
[via Deadline]
Earlier on Moviefone:
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Moviefone | By Jenni Miller Posted: 03/12/2013 10:02 am EDT | Updated: 03/12/2013 10:13 am EDT