Pre-production is currently underway in London on Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, and Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids), who is now officially confirmed to play the villainous Ursula has shared an update.

The Academy Award-nominated actress discussed the project with Ellen on her Emmy winning daytime talk show. Saying rehearsals have been an “absolute blast” thus far.

McCarthy confirmed her involvement with Ellen and spoke about what it is like working with director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns).

“I play Ursula, the sea witch. It is so fun, we’re just in rehearsals. It’s been an absolute blast. Stepping into the world of Rob Marshall, it’s like a fever dream, I just went to London for a week, I was like, ‘I don’t get to go to dance camp for a week.’ All day he’s like, ‘Do you want to slide down this 40-foot clam shell?’ I’m like, ‘Yes! Of course I do. What are you, crazy?’ It’s been wildly creative.”

Read: Exclusive: Live-Action ‘Rapunzel’ Movie In The Works At Disney

Melissa McCarthy is set to star alongside Halle Bailey (Grown-ish) as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King (A Dog’s Way Home) as Prince Eric, Jacob Tremblay (Good Boys) as Ariels best friend Flounder, Awkwafina (Jumanji: The Next Level) will play the diving bird (seagull in the animated film) Scuttle, Javier Bardem (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) will play Ariel’s father King Triton, and Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) as Sebastian.

It is unclear who is playing Grimsby, Chef Louis, and the rest of Ariel’s family, but can confirm that these characters will appear in the film, and yes, Eric’s trusty pal Max will also make an appearance.

Read: Exclusive: Disney Casting Ariel’s Sisters In ‘The Little Mermaid’

Alan Menken (Aladdin) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana) will be remastering the music from the original film, while also adding four brand new songs, which would also include a new solo for Prince Eric… that’s what we hear that is. The Little Mermaid will begin filming in April in the Caribbean, London, and other locations.

Source: Ellen

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Skyler Shuler

In 2013, Skyler Shuler wanted to share his knowledge of Disney films and the magic behind the scenes. So, he created the Instagram account Disney Film Facts and the page quickly garnered a following. Soon after a Twitter was created, and not long after that DisneyFilmFacts.com was born. The page has been lucky enough to garner a wonderful following of such amazing Disney and movie fans, as well as been sourced in some of the biggest entertainment sites in the world. In 2018, the page was rebranded to The DisInsider, and the rest was history!

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