Universal's live-action retelling of Disney classic The Little Mermaid just got its confirmed lead and a potential screenwriter, according to a report today from Variety. Chloe Moretz, known best for her roles in The Amityville Horror remake and Kick Ass films adaptations, will star as Ariel. Prolific romantic comedy writer Richard Curtis (Bridget Jones's Diary, Love Actually) is in talks for the final script. It’s unclear how closely the remake will follow Disney’s 1989 animated film.

The movie follows a live-action Disney trend of late that's brought Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent, and Cinderella to the big screen with high-profile names attached. Disney is reportedly in the process of a live-action remake of Mulan, while director Tim Burton has been tapped for a new version of Dumbo. The most notable Disney remake on the horizon is Beauty and the Beast, with Emma Watson set to star as Belle.

Following a live-action Disney trend

The Little Mermaid generated a bit of controversy this past summer when director and screenwriter Sophia Coppola departed the project citing creative differences; Variety says it may have been related to Moretz's casting, which occurred while Coppola was still involved. The 18-year-old actress is in the process of filming a sequel to the Seth Rogen comedy Neighbors. Yet with no clear timetable for Universal's project, it's unclear when The Little Mermaid may hit theaters.