Chloe Moretz will play Ariel in The Little Mermaid

Los Angeles - Chloe Grace Moretz will star in The Little Mermaid.

The 18-year-old actress will take on the lead role in the live-action adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story about a mermaid who wishes to become human after falling in love with a prince she saved from drowning.

Announcing the news on Twitter, Chloe wrote:

Been waiting a long time to tell you guys !! #TheLittleMermaid going to be a beautiful experience! Can't wait to show everyone my Mermaid!

— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) November 6, 2015

Four Weddings and a Funeral writer Richard Curtis will pen the script, according to Variety.

Sofia Coppola was previously attached to direct but left the movie after creative differences with the studio.