Disney ‘Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Eyes Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina
“Little Mermaid” is getting its own live-action treatment at Disney, following the success of “Aladdin” at the box office and the soon-to-be-released “Mulan” live-action treatment.
Rumor has it that the studio is keen on casting comedy superstar Melissa McCarthy in the role of Ursula, the sea witch on the animated version. Discussions with the star to board “Little Mermaid,” however, are still in its early stages, per Variety.
Disney is also reportedly eyeing child actor Jacob Tremblay to play Flounder, the best friend of Ariel. The actor is best known for his breakout role in “Room” and for his work in “Wonder” with Julia Roberts.
Awkwafina, on the other hand, is in talks to play Scuttle, the seagull. The actress featured in Crazy Rich Asians and will be starring in the “Jumanji” sequel.
Pat Carroll, Jason Marin and Buddy Hackett originally voiced these characters in the cartoon version that came out in 1989. Loosely based on the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, “Little Mermaid” follows a mermaid princess who wants to be a human after falling in love with a prince.
Ariel forges a deal with Ursula so that she could human legs. Ursula obliged but took her voice away. She also transformed herself into a human to entice the prince.
The movie will still present the famous original songs from “Little Mermaid,” albeit with additional materials, per the Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disneys-live-action-little-mermaid-eyes-jacob-tremblay-awkwafina-1221947
Composer Alan Menken has returned for the project to do the music along with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Rob Marshall is directing this “Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation. Disney, however, has not yet cast the lead roles of Ariel and Prince Eric.
Fans have been campaigning, however, to cast Zendaya in the titular role. The actress, who is in the upcoming “Spiderman: Homecoming” film once told People that she would love to in the movie as it was her favorite growing up.
Rumor has it, on the other hand, that Noah Centino could be vying for the role of Prince Eric against former One Direction member Harry Styles.
