About two months ago we asked if there was any truth to the rumor that Bill Condon would be directing a live-action version of Beauty and the Beast for Disney.  Well, now that the studio's Maleficent picture is nearing $200 million worldwide in its first week of release, they're apparently anxious to move onto the next project.  New reports confirm Condon will indeed head up the Beauty and the Beast live-action treatment, scripted by Evan Spiliotopoulos.  If the new version is anything close to its animated forebear (which earned $375 million and a Best Picture Oscar nomination), then Disney is in for another payday.  Hit the jump for more.

Variety reports that Condon will direct Beauty and the Beast, Disney's latest live-action treatment.  Few details are available on the tone or plot of the script at the moment, or whether or not the film will even feature musical numbers.  The fairy tale has been adapted numerous times over the years and appears in just as many variations from its original state.  Disney's animated classic fluffed up the action a bit by adding the plot element of a raucous group of villagers attacking the Beast's castle.  We'll have to wait and see how Condon's live-action version changes the core story.

Condon's had quite an array of directorial efforts, including biographical pictures Gods and Monsters, Kinsey, and The Fifth Estate; a Broadway musical adaptation in Dreamgirls; and commercial hits, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Parts 1 & 2.  Other upcoming films from Disney include Kenneth Branagh’s live-action Cinderella set for release in March 2015, and Jon Favreau's live-action take on The Jungle Book for release in October 2015.