Rob Marshall revealed Melissa McCarthy’s background in drag performance was one factor in casting her as Ursula for ‘The Little Mermaid’
Director Rob Marshall has recently opened up about the casting decision for the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, specifically with regards to the choice of Melissa McCarthy as the film’s villain, Ursula.
Marshall revealed in an interview with SFX magazine that McCarthy’s background in drag performance played a significant role in her landing the coveted role of Ursula. In fact, McCarthy began her career as a drag performer, using the stage name Miss Y, and Marshall was initially shocked to learn this about the actress.
McCarthy’s experience in drag performance gave her a unique perspective on the character of Ursula, which allowed her to bring depth and emotion to the role beyond her well-known comedic skills. Marshall explained that McCarthy’s understanding of the beginnings of the Ursula character was a major factor in her landing the role.
Both Marshall and McCarthy drew inspiration from the iconic drag queen Divine, who was the original inspiration for Ursula, in their preparations for the film. Marshall noted that Divine’s larger-than-life persona was a perfect fit for the character of Ursula, but McCarthy was able to bring a sense of humanity to the role as well.
The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake of Disney’s 1989 animated film of the same name, which itself is loosely based on the 1837 fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The film features an impressive cast including Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
Marshall also spoke about McCarthy’s talents as an actress, saying that she is often underestimated due to her comedic background, but that she is actually a “wonderful actress”. He went on to praise McCarthy’s ability to bring humor and depth to her roles, and said that he was impressed by her dedication and work ethic on set.
The decision to cast McCarthy as Ursula has been met with mixed reactions from fans, with some praising the choice and others expressing disappointment. However, Marshall’s comments about McCarthy’s background and talents as an actress may help to reassure those who are skeptical about her ability to take on such an iconic role.
Melissa McCarthy has proven time and time again that she excels at portraying characters who are rough around the edges but ultimately have a soft spot. Her talent lies in bringing a relatable vulnerability to her roles, even when playing abrasive or obnoxious characters. From her breakout performance in Bridesmaids to her recent turn in the Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers, McCarthy has cemented her place as a beloved comedic actress. Whether she’s making us laugh or tugging at our heartstrings, McCarthy’s ability to embody complex and flawed characters with a genuine humanity is what makes her such a standout performer.
McCarthy’s performances as characters who are initially abrasive or unlikable, but later reveal a softer side, have become a signature of her acting style. One of her most notable roles in this regard is in the film, The Heat. In the movie, McCarthy plays an FBI agent, Shannon Mullins, who is known for her rough demeanour and foul language. However, as the movie progresses, we see that Shannon is also fiercely loyal and cares deeply about her family and colleagues.
Overall, it seems that McCarthy’s experience in drag performance and her talents as an actress have made her a great fit for the role of Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Fans will have to wait until the film’s release to see how she brings the iconic character to life on the big screen.
Also Read: Disney’s Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’ Lands China Release Date
