There's a new live-action take on "Beauty and the Beast" on the way from Walt Disney Pictures. Deadline brings word that the studio has hired Trance screenwriter Joe Ahearne to work on a reimagining of the classic tale, to be titled The Beast.

A French fairy tale with origins in the 18th century, "Beauty and the Beast" has been brought to the big and small screen time and again. Recently, 2011's Beastly offered a modern take on the story, as has The CW's recently launched "Beauty and the Beast" television series. Another, still-untitled live-action film is in the works with Guillermo del Toro slated to direct and Emma Watson attached to headline.

The new Disney version will be produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman.