After losing directorSofia Coppolaearlier this year, Universal and Focus Features’The Little Mermaidremake is back on track, withChloe Moretzsigning on to star as the title character.Varietyreports thatRichard Curtisis in talks to write the screenplay, which had previously been worked on by a number of writers such as Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey), Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady) and, most recently, Caroline Thompson (Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride). The studio hasn’t found a directorial replacement as of yet, but that may change withChloe Moretznow on board.
The actress had reportedly been a front runner for the role whenSofia Coppolawas set to direct. Insiders claim that it was the studio’s insistence in casting a star likeChloe Moretzthat paved the way for the director leaving the project. OnceSofia Coppolawas gone, the studio still wanted to bring the actress on board, but they didn’t want to make it official until they found a new writer to rework the script, which they have now found withRichard Curtis.
It isn’t known how this adaptation will differ from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story, which follows a mermaid who dreams of being human, after falling in love with the man she saved from drowning. The story, which was originally published in 1837, has been adapted several times for movies and television, including Disney’s beloved animated version that hit theaters in 1991. Universal hasn’t set a release date for this project yet, and it isn’t known when production may begin.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are producing, with Liza Chasin andAmelia Grangerset to executive produce. Executive VP of ProductionErik Baiersand creative executiveChloe Yellinare overseeing the project for Universal Pictures. Now that the title character has been set, it remains to be seen who the studio will cast for her love interest.
Chloe Moretzmost recently starred inDark Places, a newthrillerthat debuted in theaters this past August. She will next be seen in a trio of movies debuting next year,The 5th Wave(June 12, 2025),Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising(June 16, 2025) andTrolls(July 21, 2025). What do you think ofChloe MoretzportrayingThe Little Mermaid?
