Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula, one of the biggest villains in Disney’s franchise, for the studio’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. Rob Marshall, who is best known for his directorial work in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is set to direct the film
The animated movie loosely retold the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and told of a mermaid named Ariel who yearns to be human after she falls in love with a prince. She makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula who grants her wish but takes her voice. Alan Menken will team with Lin-Manuel Miranda for the music.
The film will incorporate the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new tunes from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee has written the script.
McCarthy, who is repped by CAA, will next be seen in New Line’s crime drama, The Kitchen, and action comedy, Superintelligence.