Melissa McCarthy is in negotiations to play the infamous sea witch in Disney’s remake of the animated classic.
Multiple outlets report that the 48-year-old actress could be going under the sea for the Rob Marshall-directed live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Marshall also helmed Mary Poppins Returns.
According to Variety, which was first to report the news, the deal is not yet completed, but McCarthy’s Ursula could be just what the film’s creative team is looking for in its contemporary reimagining of the iconic story.
Marshall is directing from a script by David Magee. The film will feature new songs (alongside the originals, of course) by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Miranda is also producing along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca.
Disney’s latest live-action remake was Aladdin, which grossed $820 million worldwide. The live-action remake of the highly-anticipated The Lion King is set to debut in theaters on July 19th.
