“The human world is a mess. Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there.”
And yet, Disney has decided that it would be a good idea to make a live-action version of the beloved classic ‘The Little Mermaid’. The 1989 animated movie is a staple and favourite for many a 90s kid. With that being said, Disney has decided to add it to the slew of live-action remakes. One would think that the not-so-spectacular reviews for most of these movies would deter them, but no – we’ll soon see everyone from King Triton to Scuttle on the big screen. Whether they decide to go down the same route as in ‘Mulan’ (i.e. no musical numbers) or do a CGI-heavy 2016 ‘Jungle Book’ version of the movie, the cast will play a big part in if the movie is deemed a hit or a miss. Rob Marshall, who previously worked on Mary Poppins Returns, is set to direct, with Lin-Manuel Miranda and original composer Alan Menken on board for the film’s music. So, who will bear the heavy crown of having to bring such iconic characters to life?
‘Ariel’: Halle Bailey
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The 20-year-old singer and actress, who is one half of the pop-R&B duo Chloe x Halle, is confirmed to star as Ariel in the live-action flick. It will be a massive breakout role for Bailey, who stars with her sister on Freeform’s Grown-ish.
“Watch and you’ll see, someday I’ll be part of your world.”
‘Flounder’: Jacob Tremblay
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The 14-year-old Canadian actor rose to fame for his role as Jack Newsome in ‘Room’ and recently embodied the young Justin Bieber in his latest music video for the song ‘lonely’.
“Excitement, adventure, danger, lurking around every corner…”
‘King Triton’: Javier Bardem
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The 51-year-old environmental activist with Greenpeace for protection of Antarctica is set to play the overly protective, loving father and ruler of Atlantica.
“I consider myself a reasonable merman. I set certain rules, and I expect those rules to be obeyed!”
‘Sebastian’: Daveed Diggs
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Another incredibly impressive casting – actor, rapper, singer, and songwriter Daveed Diggs. He originated the roles of ‘Marquis de Lafayette’ and ‘Thomas Jefferson’ in the award-winning musical ‘Hamilton’, played a recurring role in the television series ‘Black-ish’ and most recently, stars in the 2020 television adaptation of ‘Snowpiercer’.
“The seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s lake.”
‘Ursula’: Melissa McCarthy
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The two-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, writer, producer and designer will be taking on the complex role of the sea witch.
“The waves obey my every whim!”
‘Scuttle’: Awkwafina
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Off the bat, the pairing of the multifaceted Awkafina with the eccentric bird will likely be an amusing one!
“Have I ever been wrong? I mean, when it’s important!”
‘Prince Eric’: Jonah Hauer-King
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After multiple names had been brought up (including *ahem* Harry Styles *ahem*) Disney has finally chosen the actor to bring the handsome character of Prince Eric to life, 25-year-old English-American actor Jonah Hauer-King. His repertoire includes roles in ‘A Dog’s Way Home’, ‘The Last Photograph’, ‘Ashes in the Snow’ while he currently is in the BBC miniseries ‘World on Fire’.
“A girl, rescued me. She was singing. She had the most beautiful voice.”
*Cover image credits: Instagram / @disneylittlemermaid as drawn by Disney artist Amy Deng
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