Director Joe Wright (The Soloist, Atonement) just wants to be a “part of that world.” Proof of this can be found in Variety's report that the British filmmaker is currently attached to direct a live-action adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale The Little Mermaid. The film, I'm going to assume you have a soul and are thus already familiar with its premise, is currently being developed by British production company Working Title Films who have championed each of Wright's last three films Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and The Soloist.

Hit the jump for more info on the project as well as a reason why this adaptation of the tried and true story is already unique.

Per Variety, the pic has been adapted by British writer Abi Morgan (Brick Lane) and was inspired by a puppet-production (as most great films are) of the tale by The Little Angel Theatre Company based in London. While Andersen's tale has been adapted numerous times around the world and across different media platforms (including a 1976 Russian live-action film and a 2005 Danish ballet), Wright's take will be the first live-action adaptation of the story to be made in English.  [Matt's note: Those who have read Andersen's original story know that it's dark as hell.  Also: no singing crabs.]

If you're a fan of Wright's and can't wait for him to go under the sea, his next film, the thriller Hanna starring Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, and Saoirse Ronan, is currently in post-production and is set to hit theaters on April 8, 2011.