Disney is currently on a live-action releasing spree. In 2019 alone, we’ve witnessed the live-action remakes of “Aladdin”, “Dumbo”, and “The Lion King”. Whether we like this new trend or not, we can’t deny that these remakes fill us with nostalgia for the good old 90s.
What’s next? A live-action remake of the 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid is in the works, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios and director Rob Marshall.
You probably are familiar with the story: A young mermaid princess trades her voice to an evil witch for a chance to be with the prince she loves and experience human life.
The live-action remake will start undergoing production in April 2020 and with more new details surfacing online, here is all you need to know about it.
Who is in the cast?
Halle Bailey, a 19-year-old budding singer and one half of the singing duo Chloe X Halle, has been confirmed by Disney to play Ariel.
Announcing this in a statement, director Rob Marshall said,
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After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance – plus a glorious singing voice – all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.
Although there has been controversy over this news, many have shown their support for Halle’s role as Ariel.
Halle Bailey on her new #LittleMermaid role: "I don't pay attention to the negativity; I just feel like this role is something bigger than me" https://t.co/pidgYYQ0lw pic.twitter.com/rmUxbFSuYY
— Variety (@Variety) August 7, 2019
Yeeeeessss!! Here for thiiiissss!! @chloexhalle ♥️♥️🙌🏽🙌🏽 https://t.co/8hpuSKb4rD
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) July 3, 2019
In case you needed a reminder… Halles get it DONE. Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do! #TheLittleMermaid #HalleBailey pic.twitter.com/z0Rik2nxRe
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) July 3, 2019
Jodi Benson, who starred as Ariel in the original has also endorsed Ariel for the role
“What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart and their spirit is what really counts. I think the most important thing for a film is to be able to tell a story,” she said.
On Ariel’s love interest, Prince Eric, sources have revealed former One Direction star Harry Styles might just play the role.
Javier Bardem, the actor famous for his role as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men is reportedly in negotiations to star as King Triton, Ariel’s dad. He appears to be a great choice for the role as he has the ideal stature and has won an Oscar for his stellar acting.
Award winning comedian Melissa McCarthy is rumoured to be playing the role of sea witch Ursula. The news has stirred mixed reactions from fans online, with some people who think she’s not the right pick for the role and others who think she will perform since she’s a comedian.
Melissa McCarthy strongly hints she'll play Ursula in live-action 'Little Mermaid' https://t.co/rcqrtW9qBr
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 30, 2019
I love me some Melissa McCarthy
BUT
Ursula would be better played by an actual drag queen which is exactly the inspiration for the character to begin with.
/send tweet/
— andrés (@thegrandpianist) July 30, 2019
Disney has also confirmed Jacob Tremblay, the young actor who was named Best Young Actor at the 21st Annual for The Room, will be playing Ariel’s faithful confidant, Flounder.
When will It Be Released?
So far, Disney has not announced an official release date yet but production is rumoured to begin in April 2020. There are also no official trailer or teasers currently available for the film. All we can do is wait and see what Disney is up to with the “The Little Mermaid” remake.
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