Tammie Arroyo / AFF-USA.com
With Disney’s latest undertaking of creating live-action hits out of its most beloved classics, it seems The Little Mermaid is the next up to get the live-action treatment, and casting rumors are starting to roll!
According to multiple reports, actress Melissa McCarthy is in early talks to take on the iconic role of the evil sea witch Ursula for the upcoming film. Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall is set to helm the upcoming film, with Lin-Manuel Miranda producing and serving as co-composer alongside Alan Menken, who composed songs for the 1989 animated film.
Along with the 48-year-old actress, The Hollywood Reporter also reported that Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are also in talks for the film, with Tremblay as Flounder and Awkwafina as Scuttle, Ariel’s seagull friend who was voiced by Buddy Hackett in the original film.
Of course, everyone wants to know who will be taking on the lead role of Ariel for the film, but everyone is staying tight-lipped about that casting. Rumors suggested that Zendaya had been approached for the role, but she suggested it wasn’t her, saying, “I’m sure it’ll be great when they make it, and I’ll go see it like everyone else!”
After the release of live-action versions of Cinderella, Aladdin, Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, and The Jungle Book, fans will next see The Lion King in live-action starring Donald Glover as Simba and Beyonce as Nala.
The Lion King is in theaters July 19.