With Disney churning out live-action adaptations of their beloved animated films like it’s nobody’s business, The Little Mermaid is the next cartoon classic coming to life soon, and if all goes as planned, Melissa McCarthy will be along for the swim.
Variety reports that while the “deal is not yet completed,” the Bridesmaids breakout star is in negotiations to play Ursula, Mermaid‘s sneaking, tentacled-terror.
With Aladdin still playing theaters and The Lion King rearing its mane in July, the Disney parade is in full swing, though The Little Mermaid has no concrete release plans. Rob Marshall, who just directed Mary Poppins Returns for Disney, is set to helm the undersea interpretation. Our own Matthew Razak loved Mary Poppins, a film I’ve yet to see but am already endeared to due to nostalgia. Here’s hoping Marshall delivers the goods once again for The Little Mermaid.
Melissa McCarthy in Talks to Play Ursula in Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ (EXCLUSIVE) [Variety]