Films, News, Television, Women Writers

New Mermaid Drama Headed to Freeform

“The Little Mermaid”: Disney

Rebecca Thomas’ live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” starring Chloë Grace Moretz is currently in pre-production, but it looks like we’ll soon be seeing mer-folk on-screen in another medium: TV. Variety reports that Freeform has greenlit “The Deep,” a new mermaid-centric pilot.

Emily Whitesell (“Finding Carter,” “Brothers & Sisters”) will serve as showrunner for the hour-long drama. But a warning to fans of star-crossed lovers: the plot for the series sounds decidedly more violent and less romantic than Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” — hell, even Hans Christian Anderson’s. Variety writes that “The Deep” is set in a coastal town “known for its legend of once being home to mermaids. When the arrival of a mysterious girl proves this folklore all too true, the battle between man and sea takes a very vicious turn as these predatory beings return to reclaim their right to the ocean.”

While there’s no word on casting just yet, production is expected to launch this September in Vancouver.

“’The Deep’ is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word ‘mermaid’ — the mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot,” said Karey Burke, Freeform’s executive vice president of programming and development. “The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures.” So don’t expect the mermaids to bear witness to song and dance numbers from crustaceans this time around.

Freeform has a number of new original series in the works, including I. Marlene King’s “Famous in Love,” centered on a college student who becomes an overnight Hollywood sensation, and “Issues,” which is based on the life of Cosmo editor Joanna Coles.


Women and Hollywood Transition

Dear friends- A little over 15 years ago I had a crazy idea: to try and start a conversation asking where the women were in front of the camera and behind the scenes in Hollywood. I called my blog...

Gina Rodriguez Developing Series Adaptation of “Princess of South Beach” Podcast for Netflix

Gina Rodriguez is celebrating the success of her new ABC comedy “Not Dead Yet” by developing a series adaptation of a popular podcast for Netflix. Deadline reports that the streamer has...

Sophie Lane Curtis Feature Debut “On Our Way” Acquired by Gravitas Ventures

Sophie Lane Curtis’ feature debut has secured distribution. Deadline reports that Gravitas Ventures landed worldwide rights to “On Our Way” with plans to release the award-winning...

Posts Search

Publishing Dates
Start date
- select start date -
End date
- select end date -
Category
News
Films
Interviews
Features
Trailers
Festivals
Television
RESET