Sofia Coppola has reportedly backed out of the live-action adaptation of the classic tale The Little Mermaid, and while the details are scarce, the L.A. Times is reporting that the reason is “creative differences”.
The storyline has been shrouded in mystery, but with Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands) working on the script, it may have a dark tint to it. Coppola, who is known for adding bright candy colors and a stellar soundtrack to her films, would have been an interesting addition to the movie.
Fairy tale adaptations are a big thing right now after the huge success of both Maleficent and Cinderella, and Beauty And The Beast is up next, which will star Emma Watson. Coincidentally, Watson also starred in Coppola’s last feature, The Bling Ring, which focused on a group of high school kids who robbed celebrities and was based on the true story of Pretty Wild subject Alexis Neiers.
It’s not clear yet who will helm the movie now that Sofia is out, but the studio will reportedly move on with the film without her. Coppola’s next project is one for Netflix starring Bill Murray called A Very Murray Christmas. According to Deadline, it’s an “homage to the classic variety show featuring Murray playing himself, as he worries no one will show up to his TV show due to a terrible snow storm in New York City. Through luck and perseverance, guests arrive at the Carlyle hotel to help him; dancing and singing in holiday spirit. The cast includes George Clooney, Chris Rock, Amy Poehler, Miley Cyrus, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Rashida Jones, Rick Ross, Julian Casablancas, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Schaffer, Jenny Lewis, Lilly Burns and Buster Pointdexter.”
