It was only a matter of time. After the massive success of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and the expected performance of “The Lion King,” Disney is finally beginning the casting process of what might the biggest animated film left in its library, “The Little Mermaid.” And according to a new report, the cast might actually be led by Melissa McCarthy.
Variety is reporting that Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play the villain Ursula in the upcoming live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” The upcoming film adapts the massively popular 1989 hit film about a mermaid that falls in love with a human and is faced with a choice to abandon her family and life to join him on land or stay under the sea and pass on the possible love of her life.
McCarthy is the Oscar-nominated actress that has been a major A-lister in recent years thanks to roles in “Bridesmaids,” “Spy,” “Ghostbusters,” and most recently, her dramatic turn in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” If the deal is worked out, McCarthy would don some heavy makeup and prosthetics to play the popular Disney villain.
“The Little Mermaid” is set to be directed by Rob Marshall, who recently helmed the Disney film “Mary Poppins Returns.” And joining Marshall on this project is none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will work alongside the original film’s musical genius Alan Menken to work on some new songs for the film. Obviously, the classics from the animated feature will be highlighted in the new version, as well.
There’s a lot of controversy around “The Little Mermaid.” Of all the classic Disney films, there are many fans in 2019 that feel the message of the movie is problematic. Much like the changes made to Jasmine and Belle in “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast,” respectively, it’s expected that Ariel will be given a bit more of a modern twist.
Speaking of Ariel, the main role in the film has yet to be cast, but clearly, that will be the most dissected casting of them all. Disney could go with a proven actress or go the route of “Aladdin” and work with a relative unknown. We should be finding out soon enough.