‘Beauty and the Beast’ to be Scripted by ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Writer

Along with their live-action versions of 'The Jungle Book' and 'Cinderella,' Disney is also cooking up a similar live-action updating of their classic take on 'Beauty and the Beast.' Set to be directed by Bill Condon, the new film now has a writer: 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' scribe Stephen Chbosky.

EW reports that Chbosky, who also wrote the book upon which 'Perks' was based, is set to provide the screenplay for Disney's live-action take on 'Beauty and the Beast.' Although the original 'Beauty and the Beast' fairytale story was first published in 18th century France by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, this new version is said to be based more on Disney's own animated version, released in 1991.

It's said that the new live-action version will feature some of the songs from the animated classic. All we ask is that they don't get rid of Gaston's song -- that thing is a real banger.

Disney recently gave us a live-action version of 'Maleficent,' which was critically divisive. The studio also has a live-action 'Cinderella' from director Kenneth Branagh set to hit theaters next spring, starring Lily James, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, and Richard Madden. Then there's 'The Jungle Book' with director Jon Favreau, starring the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, and Bill Murray. Also on the docket is 'Cruella,' yet another tale told from the villain's point of view, this time from that of the wild-haired, fur-crazy villainess of '101 Dalmatians' fame.