Back in August, Disney revealed that the studio is teaming up withLin-Manuel MirandaandAlan Menken, who are set to write new music for the studio’sThe Little Mermaidremake. We haven’t heard any more on the remake since then, including who will be cast, or who will serve as writer or director on this coveted project. Today we have word that actressLindsay Lohanmay be throwing her hat in the ring for the Ariel role, after a new post on Instagram this weekend.
WhileLindsay Lohandoesn’t specifically state that she wants the Ariel role, she posted a side-by-side picture of herself with red hair, and the redhaired animated version of Ariel. She didn’t state anything else on Instagram, only using the hashtag #TheLittleMermaid. It isn’t known if the script is even ready or if the studio is ready to start the auditioning process, but we don’t know if the studio would be interested in casting the actress.
Disney previously brought onHamiltoncreatorLin-Manuel Mirandato star inMary Poppins Returns, alongsideEmily Blunt. It seems the studio is doubling down with this actor-musician, bringing him aboard their remake ofThe Little Mermaid, where he will compose songs alongsideAlan Menken. It isn’t known if he will also act in this remake, but he is said to be involved in supervising the story and overseeing the writing of the script.
Lin-Manuel Mirandawill also produce thislive-actionremake withMarc Platt, who is currently prepping his long-awaited big screen adaptation of the Broadway sensationWicked. This news comes just a few months after a report surfaced that the studio wasn’t sure if they wanted to move forward with this new live-action project. There is currently another live-action adaptation set at Universal Pictures, withChloe Moretzto star as Ariel. Up and coming directorRebecca Thomasis taking the helm, working from a script byRichard Curtis. There is also anotherLittle Mermaidproject that boasts a cast includingShirley MacLaine,Gina Gershon,William ForsytheandPoppy Drayton, from directorsChris BouchardandBlake J. Harris.
This Disney version will feature new songs written byLin-Manuel MirandaandAlan Menkenand songs from the 1989animated classic.Lin-Manuel Mirandareportedly has a soft spot forThe Little Mermaid, even naming his son Sebastian after the beloved crab in the musical.Alan Menkenwon two of his eight Oscars forThe Little Mermaid, one for Best Original Song withHoward Ashmanand the other for Best Original Score. This project marks just the latest in a string oflive action remakesfrom the studio, including recent movies such asAlice Through the Looking GlassandPete’s Dragon, and the upcomingBeauty and the Beast, hitting theaters March 17. Others in development includeCruellastarringEmma Stone,Tim Burton’sDumboand sequels toMary Poppins,Maleficentand the current hitThe Jungle Bookalso in the works. Disney is also working on a live action prequel toAladdin, aWinnie the Poohlive-action project, along withLasse Hallstrom’sThe Nutcracker and the Four RealmsandAva DuVernay’sA Wrinkle in Time. Take a look atLindsay Lohan’s Instagram photo below, and stay tuned for more on Disney’s the Little Mermaid.
