Melissa McCarthy has explained the “special” modern message behind Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. The actress, who portrays Ursula, spoke to Entertainment Tonight about why the 2023 iteration of the fairytale is “more modern” than its 1989 counterpart.
“I think that for me there’s something special about this one. We’ve all longed to figure out what’s the life I want, which is really the key story in this. I feel like it’s more modern than it was in the original, just in terms of really carving out the life you choose to have for yourself. I just think that’s so relevant and necessary for today.”
While other updates to the film beyond its recasting are yet to be revealed, we do know that The Little Mermaid will include four new original songs, which makes sense when it’s almost an hour longer than its animated predecessor.
McCarthy recently provided additional updates regarding her role in the film, revealing that she hopes her portrayal of Ursula will “do every incredible drag queen proud.” The 1989 version of Ursula was based on the legendary drag queen Divine, whose “no apologies” attitude was channeled by McCarthy for her role.
The remake has attracted lots of buzz in recent weeks following the reveal of the photorealistic renderings of its aquatic life characters, though some fans have come to Flounder’s defence. Some fans were also critical of McCarthy’s look in the role of Ursula, taking particular umbrage with the character’s make-up.
McCarthy and Bailey star in the remake opposite Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Daveed Diggs as Sebastian. The Little Mermaid is set for release on May 25. It is one of multiple live-action remakes in the works at Disney, with updates to Snow White and Lilo & Stich set for release in the coming years.