What’s in store to please both movie buffs and music enthusiasts alike? Martin Scorsese’s Disney has just announced the cast for the studio’s forthcoming live-action revamp of the iconic animated classic “The Little Mermaid.” Halle Bailey stars in the film as Ariel, the iconic mermaid princess, with Jonah Hauer-King starring as Prince Eric. Other announced cast members include Awkwafina as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Its director is Rob Marshall, the filmmaker responsible for the magic of “Chicago” and “Into the Woods.” Written by David Magee, who penned “Life of Pi” and “Finding Neverland,” this promises to be a lush musical book in which the music and the movement tell the story. Fans will be thrilled to watch this cast bring the much-loved story to life on the silver screen. The theatrical release date for the film is set for May 2023. One can’t really miss this one if they’re fans of hamming actors and efficient production.
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Bailey is best known for the popular television show “Grown-ish” and is set to be seen in the all-important role of Ariel. Speaking to Variety, the singer-actress expressed her joy regarding grabbing the role: “I’m so grateful to be a part of this project. Ariel is such an iconic character, and I’m excited to bring my own spin to the role.” Hauer-King, who’s flexed his acting chops in the big and small versions of franchises such as “Powder,” “Little Women,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” couldn’t be more excited to step into the shoes of Prince Eric. He revealed to Entertainment Weekly, “I’m thrilled to be playing Prince Eric, a great character with a lot of layers to explore. He isn’t just a one-dimensional love interest, but a detailed and complex character with his own motives and desires.” The Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters actor plays Ursula, a sea witch who seeks revenge against Ariel. “Ursula’s one of my favorite villains—she is so deliciously over-the-top and campy,” explains the actor. “I’m having a blast bringing her to life.”
