Little Women to get film adaptation from Sarah Polley and Sony's Amy Pascal

Louisa May Alcott's novel has already been adapted three times

Marmee in the 1994 film of ‘Little Women’ (Alamy)

Little Women is to get its fourth silver screen adaptation after Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal has come on board to produce the film.

The period drama set in New England follows four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as they come of age in Boston after the US Civil War.

Louise May Alcott’s novel, which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, is loosely based on the lives of her and her three sisters who grew up in New England.

Pascal, who is stepping down from her post as co-chairman of Sony Pictures following last year’s hacking scandal, is set to produce the adaptation.

Actress Sarah Polley is also reported to be on board to adapt the script from Alcott’s classic novel, according to The Wrap

The Dawn of the Dead actress has previously written and directed documentary Stories We Tell (2012) and feature film Take This Waltz (2011).

Little Women was last adapted for the big screen in 1994 starring Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes.

It was previously adapted in 1933 with Katharine Hepburn, and again in 1949 - watch the trailer below.

Read more: Amy Pascal to step down as Sony Pictures chair