ABC orders 'Beauty and the Beast' pilot

Steinberg Let the battle of the "Beasts" begin.ABC announced Tuesday an order for a pilot based on the "Beauty and the Beast" legend--one week after the CW did same, albeit with a different take on the story.From ABC Studios, ABC's "Beast" is a fantastical reimagining of the classic fairy tale set in a mythical, dangerous world wherein a beautiful and tough Princess discovers an unlikely connection with a mysterious beast.The project is from Jon Steinberg ("Jericho"), who will executive produce with Mojo Film's Gary Fleder and Mary Beth Basile.The CW's "Beast," from CBS TV Studios, is loosely based on the CBS drama from the late 1980s. It's described as a modern-day romancer "with a procedural twist." Jennifer Levin ("Without a Trace") and Sherri Cooper ("Brothers and Sisters") penned the pilot and exec produce with Paul Witt, C. Anthony Thomas, Ron Koslow and Bill Haber. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com