The Little Mermaid cast revealed for new live action remake
The first cast for Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid has been revealed.
Production on the new version of the 1989 animated film is currently underway in the UK, with a release date still to be confirmed.
In the lead role of Ariel, originally voiced by Jodi Benson, will be singer Halle Bailey.
The 19-year-old R&B singer is best known for her work as part of duo Chloe x Halle.
Director Rob Marshall said: “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.”
Javier Bardem is playing King Triton and Daveed Diggs is playing Sebastian.
Melissa McCarthy is cast as sea witch Ursula with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.
Further casting includes 12-year-old Room star Jacob Tremblay as Flounder while Crazy Rich Asians actress and comic Awkwafina is set to play seagull Scuttle.
The new feature film will include the original songs from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, plus new music from Menken and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Marshall said previously: “We’re working on, in a way, fleshing out The Little Mermaid – Ariel has one song in the animated film – and so we’re looking for maybe more material.”
Picture credit: Disney
