Disney has a long history of making live-action remakes of some of the most popular animated movies in its portfolio. In recent years, audiences have seen live-action versions of “The Jungle Book,” “Aladdin,” and the 2019 box office smash hit that was “The Lion King,” which would become the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
The next instalment in this series is “The Little Mermaid,” one of the most beloved Disney films of all time. The story follows Ariel, a mermaid that forgoes her voice in order to be part of the human world and fall in love.
The live-action remake is set to star some of the biggest names in the Hollywood scene, with the talents of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonah Hauer-King and Halle Bailey starring in the role of Ariel. But the first look of a much-loved comedic actress has the internet swirling in particular.
Melissa McCarthy has lent her comedy skills to the role of “Ursula,” the film’s villain character who does everything she can to prevent Ariel from having the life she wants.
McCarthy is best known to fans for her roles in such films as “Bridesmaids,” “Spy,” and “Identity Thief,” and many cannot wait to see her down where the seaweed is always greener.
When discussing her featured role, McCarthy acknowledged who she based her performance on under the sea, and said it was 100 percent inspired by drag queens.
“There’s a drag queen that lives in me. I’m always right on the verge of going full-time with her,” said McCarthy.
She noted that she wanted to highlight Ursula’s sadness and sorrow, but wanted to pair it with her harmony of humour and flamboyancy that fans adore of her.
Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” is set to hit cinemas in late May.
