Melissa McCarthy in Talks to Play Ursula in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Remake

According to Variety, Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The film, which will be directed by Rob Marshall of Mary Poppins Returns, is slated to begin filming in April 2020 with a projected wrap date in August. However, voice over could begin recording as early as January of next year. Possible filming locations include the Cayman Islands, Maro, La Cala, Torre del Mar, Chilches, Torrox, Benajarafe, and Almayate.
Zendaya has been rumored to have been offered the role of Ariel, but so far the actress has neither confirmed nor denied. Lin-Manuel Miranda reportedly teased this in a tweet to fellow Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken. He tweeted a mermaid emoji, but specifically tweeted a mermaid of color. As for more casting specifics and an exact release date, we expect to hear more at the D23 expo in August.
Who would you like to see cast as Ariel? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!