Ever since Chloe Moretz's first breakout role she's always presented herself as a young woman mature well beyond her years. She didn't fall into the trap so many child actors fall into, and steered her career in a direction that saw her starring in comedies (Neighbors 2), acclaimed arthouse dramas (Clouds of Sils Maria), and franchises (Kick-Ass). She's kept pretty busy, but not too busy, and yet Moretz thinks it's time for a reevaluation of where she wants to go moving forward, and that does not include Universal's live-action The Little Mermaid...or anything for that matter.
Moretz latest film, Brain on Fire, is playing at TIFF right now but she took time to attend the Deauville Film Festival where she was given the Rising Star award. She also spoke with THR and revealed that she has dropped out of The Little Mermaid and all of her upcoming projects for a very respectable reason...
"I pulled the plug on all my movies because I want to reassess who I am and find myself within my roles again. I’m realizing that I can slow down."
She went on to elaborate to E! about her decision, but denied that it was a hiatus from acting. Instead it's a chance for her to take a more discerning eye towards the projects she signs on to...
"It’s not particularly time off. I’m just becoming more picky and particular about what roles I’m choosing. I think as an actor you have a huge opportunity to find yourself through the roles that you choose. I think it’s my time, right now in my life, to figure out who I am and what I am and what I want and what this industry means. Why not sit back, slow down, realize I’m 19 and go, “Hey, let’s make stuff that really, really hits hard with who I am and helps me figure out what it means to be a 19-year-old actor who is just doing her thing.”
And how can one argue with that? Moretz has a long career ahead of her if she wants it, and it does her no good to just take any gig that pays. That's how you end up with stuff like The 5th Wave and Dark Places on your resume.
As for The Little Mermaid, this puts Universal behind the 8-ball and gives Disney the upperhand in releasing their rival version first.
