#17: Beauty and The Beast

The US networks are deep into development season and have spent the past few weeks frantically ordering pilots ahead of this year’s Upfronts and LA Screenings. TBI takes a look at some of the most interesting projects that are up for consideration.

#17: Beauty and The Beast (ABC / The CW)

The fact that two television projects based on Beauty and the Beast have been ordered to pilot is rare; the fact that both projects have Runaway Jury director Gary Fleder attached is even stranger.

Beauty and The Beast for ABC is produced by Fleder’s Mojo Films in association with ABC Studios. It follows the fantasy element of the original French fairytale La Belle et la Bête (via the Disney animated movie) and is reminiscent of this year’s breakout drama Once Upon A Time. It was written by Human Target writer Jonathan Steinberg and stars Darius Campbell, better known for being on British music competition Popstars.

Meanwhile, The CW’s version is more reminiscent of the 1980s CBS series starring Linda Hamilton and has a police procedural element to the series. This version was written by Brothers & Sisters writers Jennifer Levin and Sherri Cooper and the pilot will be directed by Fleder, who will also exec produce the pilot. It will star Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk as a homicide detective who witnesses her mother’s murder, before her killer is subsequently killed by The Beast.

Chances: One of these two series will make it past the pilot stage but it’s too close to call.