It looks like Disney is gearing up its production team for their live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, as the studio has found a VFX supervisor.

According to my colleague over at HN Entertainment,  Tim Burk has joined Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid that has Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall attached. Burke’s notable credits include Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Harry Potter franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and The Legend of Tarzan.

My colleague also learned that rep is currently taking place in London, where stage production may take place. A couple of weeks ago director Rob Marshall shared an update on the film while doing press for Mary Poppins Returns, Which ultimately confirmed his director status on the film.

Well, I will say, I was just thinking about this the other day, that every movie I’ve done has been an enormous challenge. I’ve never sort of done the easy film, the two people in a room talking film. This next one, “The Little Mermaid,” is massively challenging because of how to create a world underwater. Half of the movie is underwater and to create a world that actually comes to life in a way that’s actor-friendly when you’re shooting it. And bringing that world to life. I mean, I do love creating worlds. That’s something I’ve always loved to do, no matter what world I’m diving into. So that’s thrilling. But this one is incredibly challenging. I think all the films I’ve done help me with the next film. You know what I mean? And I already worked with mermaids on my “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

There is speculation that the role of Ariel in the remake was offered to Zendaya, we here have The DisInsider attempted reaching out to her reps but we, unfortunately, heard nothing back. When asked about the rumor during the Smallfoot press tour the actress simply stated: “we will see.” Another rumor we heard but was never confirmed was that music superstar Lady Gaga is high on Disney’s wish list for a role in the film. Most likely the role of Ursula. While we were not able to confirm, we decided to share it as a rumor and nothing more.

Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda will team up to compose the music for the film, as well as add new songs to the film.

As of right now, there is no release date for the film. We expect to hear more news on this project at Disney’s bi-annual D23 Expo this August.

Source: HN Entertainment