'High School Musical' beauty Vanessa Hudgens has landed the leading role in 'Beastly', a modern-take on 'Beauty and the Beast' based on Alex Flinn's young-adult novel.
- April 22, 2009
AceShowbiz -
Vanessa Hudgens is indeed moving on from the "High School Musical" franchise as she tackles on a new feature project, "Beastly". ET reported that the 20-year-old starlet is teaming up with CBS Films for the modern-day take on "Beauty and the Beast" by filling the shoes of the fair maiden in the movie.
For this project, the "Thirteen" actress will be under the direction of Daniel Barnz. She is also likely to be joined by "Wild Child" actor Alex Pettyfer, whom E! Online reported to be in talks for the male lead. Hudgens is expected to fall within the production when the film starts to shoot in summer.
Based on Alex Flinn's young-adult novel, "Beastly" is set in Manhattan. It tells the story of a handsome rich kid with a mean streak. But after ditching a date, he is cursed and turned into everything he hates. With the new and grotesque appearance, he is given the seemingly impossible task of finding true love in order to break off from the spell.
Vanessa Hudgens made her feature film debut starring as Noel in Catherine Hardwicke-directed 2003 drama, "Thirteen". In 2005, she struck gold when landing the role of Gabriella Montez in Disney's TV movie "High School Musical". Late last year, she appeared in the first big screen version of the drama musical, "High School Musical 3: Senior Year". After filming "Beastly", she is expected to join the production of "Sucker Punch".
