Sofia Coppola to direct The Little Mermaid

Sofia Coppola to direct The Little Mermaid

Sofia Coppola will direct a live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid'.

The filmmaker has reportedly set her sights on Hans Christian Andersen's tragic fairy tale as her next project once 2013's 'The Bling Ring', and is in negotiations to bring the classic youngsters's story to life on the massive screen, Deadline.com is reporting.

Fans shouldn't expect a repeat of Disney's bubblegum 1989 cartoon version regarding aquatic princess Ariel and talking crab Sebastian, however.

Coppola is regarded as planning a version to keep with the original 1837 story, that sees the broken-hearted Little Mermaid commit suicide after the Prince marries another lady.

The new Universal Pictures/Working Title production is claimed to be primarily based on a script by Caroline Thompson ('Edward Scissorhands'), that was originally written by Kelly Marcel ('Saving Mr. Banks') and Abi Morgan ('Shame').

Coppola is taking on from 'Atonement' helmer Joe Wright, who was originally on board to direct, and intends to ''move quickly'' with the project.

The director has young daughters Romy and Cosima with her husband, Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars, and is alleged to want to create a movie which her kids can appreciate.