Melissa McCarthy sings the beloved Disney classic “Poor Unfortunate Souls” in the latest teaser for the upcoming live action remake ofThe Little Mermaid. Released courtesy ofWalt Disney Studios, the teaser offers another glimpse at Disney’s latest foray into the world of live action, revealing a little more of how they hope to bring the story of Ariel from animation into the real world. Check out the new teaser forThe Little Mermaidbelow.
Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy stars as the sea witch Ursula opposite singer Halle Bailey as Ariel, with McCarthyrecently revealing the inspirationbehind her live action portrayal of the Disney villain. “There’s a drag queen that lives in me,” McCarthy said. “I’m always right on the verge of going full-time with her… To keep the humor and the sadness and the edginess to Ursula is everything I want in a character — and frankly, everything I want in a drag queen.”
The response to Disney’s previous attempts to remake their cherished animated movies into live action have been decidedly mixed so far (though largely major successes at the box office) and time will tell how wellThe Little Mermaidstacks up against its treasured predecessor. No doubt particular attention will be paid to McCarthy’s Ursula and how effectively the Bridesmaids star brings the underwater villain back to the big screen.
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The Little Mermaid Will Land in Theaters Later This Month
The Little Mermaidwill retell the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Directed by Academy Award nominee Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns) with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (Life of Pi, Finding Neverland),The Little Mermaidstarssinger and actress Halle Bailey(grown-ish) as Ariel alongside Jonah Hauer-King (A Dog’s Way Home) as Prince Eric; Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (Raya and the Last Dragon) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (Luca) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (Mary Poppins Returns) as Queen Selina; Art Malik (Homeland) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Bridesmaids) as Ursula.
The Little Mermaidpremiered at the Dolby Theatre earlier this month,and reactions so farhave heaped praise on Halle Bailey’s lead performance, with many calling the movie “the best Disney live-action adaptation to date.”
The Little Mermaidand is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on August 20, 2025.
