It’s almost an understatement to call Disney’s live-action offerings merely “successful.” The studio has collectively racked up over $2.5 billion in worldwide box office cash so far this year on its re-imaginings. Disney is now putting together a cast for Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid remake, with Grammy-winning singer Halle Bailey officially announced as Ariel. However, the rest of the exciting names rumored to be attached, including Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, have yet to be confirmed.
At the same time, ABC also announced Moana voice actress Auli'i Cravalho and Queen Latifah will be playing Ariel and Ursula, respectively, in the network’s upcoming live television special. So when Variety asked Melissa McCarthy about her fellow Ursula, here’s what she said:
I mean… that says it all, doesn’t it? The interview starts with the outlet asking The Kitchen actress what she thinks about Queen Latifah’s casting as TV’s first live-action Ursula. Melissa McCarthy gushed about her longtime love for her, even using the archaic “cassette” to illustrate it.
But when asked if they might do a duet together, Melissa McCarthy played it coy by saying “What do you mean? I don’t know!” whilst showing off a huge smile at the camera and walking off. It looks like the comedy actress knew exactly what was being nudged at but is likely sworn to secrecy. She did a “poor unfortunate” job of hiding her excitement for the upcoming role, because I believe it’s happening now more than ever.
Melissa McCarthy is rumored to join Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, along with former One Direction member Harry Styles as Prince Eric, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Awkwafina as Scuttle and Jacob Tremblay as Flounder. The movie is being helmed by Mary Poppins Returns’ director Rob Marshall. David Magee, who wrote the Mary Poppins sequel, is writing the script alongside Kingsman and X-Men’s Jane Goldman.
The live-action musical will feature the classic songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken from the 1989 animated film, along with new music by Menken and lyrics by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda. No release date has been announced, but cameras are expected to begin rolling in early 2020.
Right now, Melissa McCarthy is focused on the release of her new film The Kitchen. The drama, also starring Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss, is about a trio of mob wives who become mob bosses after their husbands are sent to prison.
Look out for further announcements on the live-action Little Mermaid here on CinemaBlend. Perhaps, Disney’s D23 convention, which happens later this month, will officially reveal the line-up for film! Be sure to also look through our 2019 release schedule to plan your trips to the theater for the rest of the year accordingly.
