Melissa McCarthy Is in Talks to Voice Ursula in “The Little Mermaid”

Melissa McCarthy. Photo by Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock (10047405hu)

Melissa McCarthy is in  talks to joins Disney’s forthcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.

Should the 48-year-old actress join the project, she is set to star as the iconic sea witch Ursula. Per Variety, which was first to report the news, the deal is not yet completed. 

The Rob Marshall-directed reimagining of the 1989 animated classic is a story about “a woman finding her voice,” he said. “A girl finding her voice, actually. And that immediately just felt like an interesting, timely piece that resonated with us.”

Marshall is directing from a script penned by David Magee. The film will feature the original songs as well as new songs from original composer Alan Menken. Lin-Manuel is producing along with Marshall, Marc Platt, and John DeLuca.

Disney’s latest live-action remake Aladdin grossed $820 million worldwide. The studio’s next live-action remake to hit theaters is the highly anticipated The Lion King, which will hit theaters July 19.