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Sofia Coppola set to give classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid a grown-up transformation in live-action remake

PUBLISHED: 09:43 EST, 19 March 2014 | UPDATED: 11:37 EST, 19 March 2014

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Classic children's story The Little Mermaid is getting a grown-up makeover in a new version directed by Sofia Coppola.

According to Deadline, Ms Coppola plans to turn the fairy tale, originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, into a live action movie, with Caroline Thompson - who wrote Edward Scissorhands - at the helm of the script.

If Ms Coppola's previous films - including The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation - are any indication, the remake will have a decidedly more serious tone than the Disney cartoon version, perhaps taking cues from Andersen's original tale, which ends with the mermaid dissolving into foam.

Remake: Classic children's story The Little Mermaid is getting a grown-up makeover in a new version directed by Sofia Coppola, who has previously directed the Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation and Bling Ring

No details have yet been revealed as to when the movie will be released.

The Danish writer's version, which was first published in 1837, is significantly darker than the 1989 Disney version most children grew up with.

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In it, the mermaid is turned into a human, but she must pay the price of feeling like she is walking on knives each time she takes a step.

Her love for the prince goes unrequited, and the mermaid is heartbroken. She is given the option to return to her mermaid form if she slays the prince, but she cannot bring herself to do so.

Dark twist: The Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale will be a live action movie, with Caroline Thompson - who wrote Edward Scissorhands - at the helm of the script (pictured: the 1989 Disney version)

Tragic undertone: In the Danish writer's original story, the mermaid is turned into a human, but she must pay the price of feeling like she is walking on knives each time she takes a step

Instead, she throws herself into the ocean and her body dissolves into foam. Then she becomes a spirit, and learns she must do good deeds in order to eventually rise into the kingdom of God.

Caroline Thompson, who has been tapped to write the script for Ms Coppola's remake, is a Tim Burton favorite who has written films including the Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and the Addams Family.

Judging by these titles, it's very possible this new Little Mermaid will be somewhat more sinister than the Disney cartoon version.

National emblem: In Copenhagen, Denmark, the Little Mermaid statue by Edvard Eriksen (pictured) is a major tourist attraction and tribute to the Danish fairy tale

New venture: Ms Coppola - who is married to Phoenix lead singer Thomas Mars - may make the movie more kid-friendly so that their two daughters, seven and three, can enjoy it

On the other hand, as Deadline points out, Ms Coppola - who is married to Phoenix lead singer Thomas Mars - may make the movie more kid-friendly so that their two daughters, seven and three, will be able enjoy it.

Ms Coppola, 42, is the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, who famously directed The Godfather movies.

Sofia Coppola To Helm ¿The Little Mermaid¿

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Candace, Saint Cloud, United States, 6 hours ago

And they couldn't have picked a prettier girl to play Ariel? Why?

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MrDrummle, Newcastle, 7 hours ago

I'm excited for all of these live actions movies of disney classics, but I can't help but wonder why they are all close together?

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slybele, colorado, United States, 8 hours ago

If it's only half as good as "Lost in Translation", I'm in.

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cynie, hants, United Kingdom, 9 hours ago

Apparently it will be Emma Watson and the prince will be Daniel Radcliffe.

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LaKweeshah, Calabasas, United States, 9 hours ago

Margot Robbie should play Ariel. She has her face.

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sacmom3, Elk Grove Ca, 9 hours ago

I would love to see Tim Burton do this instead.

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Cobain, Nirvaanaa, 9 hours ago

Oooooohhhhh......good idea.

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lj-wales, wales, United Kingdom, 9 hours ago

If there's no singing crab I'm not interested!

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Emmalou3662, Belfast, United Kingdom, 10 hours ago

That sounds awesome I can't wait!

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ev98, Brooklyn, United States, 10 hours ago

Hmmm. I'm interested in seeing how this will turn out. I think she makes visually beautiful movies, but they seem to often lack depth.

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col_uk, Lonon, United Kingdom, 10 hours ago

Sofia Coppola directing The Little Mermaid... Plot line, Ariel a beautiful but mis-understood sea princess, who falls in love with someone totally wrong for her, rest of the film Ariel wallows and goes on a coleus pity party... Sounds like every other Sofia Coppola film. Depression central here we come!