Noma Dumezweni Joins Disney’s Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’ In New Original Role

One of the most exciting upcoming projects on Disney’s upcoming slate is the live-action interpretation of the 1989 classic animated film The Little Mermaid. With a cast that includes Grammy nominee Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, the ensemble is one of the most impressive gatherings of any of the studio’s recent live-action remakes. As first reported by Deadline, the cast will now feature the talents of Olivier Award winner and star of HBO’s The Undoing, Noma Dumezweni.

Per the initial report, Dumezweni will portray an original character not previously seen in the animated version. The actress joins the aforementioned Bailey and McCarthy, who will portray Ariel and Ursula. Moreover, the cast includes Tony winner Daveed Diggs in the role of Sebastian and Oscar winner Javier Bardem as King Triton. Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, and newcomer Jonah Hauer-King round the ensemble out as Flounder, Scuttle, and Prince Eric, respectively.

READ: Nick Offerman Reportedly Offered The Role Of Mr. Smee In ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’

Directed by Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns), the film joins Disney’s recent string of wildly successful live-action remakes. Additionally, it will feature new music penned by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda alongside iconic composer Alan Menken. Miranda will serve as one of the film’s executive producers as well. Additionally, the screenplay hails from filmmakers Jane Goldman (X-Men: First Class) and David Magee (Life of Pi).

Noma Dumezweni is best known for portraying Hermione Granger in the original West End and Broadway runs of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. However, Dumezweni has a relationship with Disney following an appearance in Mary Poppins Returns. Additionally, the multitalented actress recently turned heads in HBO’s The Undoing opposite Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Up next, she will star alongside Ray Romano and Cristin Milioti in HBO Max’s Made for Love.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the live-action Little Mermaid? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

—–

Did you enjoy this article? If so, consider visiting our YouTube channel, where we discuss the latest and greatest in pop culture news.