ABC is getting "Beast"-ly with its latest pilot acquisition.
The network has given the go-ahead to "Beauty and the Beast," a one-hour drama that's 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."
The project, which comes via ABC Studios, is written by Jon Steinberg and executive-produced by Gary Fleder and Mary Beth Basile for Mojo Films.
Also read: "Contraband," "Beauty and the Beast" Overperform in Opening Day"
The synergistic "Beast" pickup is hardly surprising, given how lucrative the franchise has been for ABC parent company Disney. The 3-D re-release of the 1991 animated film has made $34 million since opening on Jan. 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 1980s Ron Perlman/Linda Hamilton series of the 1980s, and is being written and executive-produced by Jennifer Levin ("Felicity") and Sherri Cooper ("Brothers and Sisters").
Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
