ABC has ordered a pilot for Beauty and the Beast, a one-hour drama billed as "a fantastical reimagining of the classic fairy tale set in a mythical, dangerous world wherein a beautiful and tough Princess discovers an unlikely connection with a mysterious beast."
As reported by The Wrap [1], the project, from ABC Studios, is written by Jon Steinberg and executive-produced by Gary Fleder and Mary Beth Basile for Mojo Films.
The new order is hardly surprising, given how lucrative the franchise has been for ABC parent company Disney. The 3D re-release of the 1991 animated film has made $34 million since its opening on January 13.
ABC's take on the fairy tale is not to be mistaken with the Beauty and the Beast pilot ordered by the CW last week. That project, loosely based on the Ron Perlman/Linda Hamilton series of the 1980s, is being written and executive-produced by Jennifer Levin (Felicity) and Sherri Cooper (Brothers and Sisters).
Links:
[1] http://www.thewrap.com/tv/article/abc-picks-beast-pilot-34750