It’s another day, another live-action Disney remake. This time, The Little Mermaid is front and center.
The internet has been rallying around the idea that Zendaya would play Ariel, while Lizzo would play the beloved sea witch villain, Ursula.
Who would be cast in the film has been kept under wraps until Friday night, that is. Melissa McCarthy is reportedly in talks to play Ursula in the live-action film, it was announced.
Melissa McCarthy in Talks to Play Ursula in Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/tveL3h1FXK
— Variety (@Variety) June 28, 2019
People were less than impressed with the news and quickly fired back with alternatives to who they think should be considered for the role.
Many pointed out that the character Ursula was actually based on iconic drag queen Divine, so it only makes sense that a drag queen takes up the role.
https://twitter.com/indudigital/status/1144982420434743298
Ursula was LITERALLY inspired by Divine.
— that tara girl (@that_tara_girl) June 29, 2019
The fact that they hired Melissa McCartney shows that they only care about name power and not about the art of the role.
Ugh, you poor unfortunate souls. pic.twitter.com/HjMYYFVeDZ
https://twitter.com/indiosyncratic/status/1144885299824209920
Lizzo also stepped on the scene, tweeting a sad emoji in response to the news.
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) June 29, 2019
Lizzo’s just trying to give the people what they want. In 2018, the rapper and flutist posted a video of herself as Ursula, giving legs to the idea.
“I’M URSULA. PERIOD,” she wrote at the time.
I’M URSULA. PERIOD. @Disney pic.twitter.com/9YPVPPvVpz
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) November 1, 2018
They better give her this role. No one else is more suited. Period.
— Ms. Bowman (@Sinfully_Cursed) June 29, 2019
Lizzo is 100% that witch!
— Daryl Motte (@DarylMotte) June 29, 2019
Look I love Melissa McCarthy, but #Ursula has to be either a drag queen, Lizzo, or Titus
— Vincent Manning (@astro_pumpkin) June 29, 2019
You have one job @Disney don't mess up Little Mermaid! Melissa McCarthy for Ursula? I'm sorry but no.
— ReBELLE Geek (@isabelsdieppa) June 28, 2019
You can hire:
A Drag Queen
Queen Latifa
Lizzo
Keala Settle
Tituss burgess
Celebrities even showed their support.
“Two words Ursula @lizzo There’s really no excuse,” Broadway star Cynthia Erivo tweeted.
https://twitter.com/CynthiaEriVo/status/1144765007558787072
TS Madison
— George M Johnson Garçon (@IamGMJohnson) June 28, 2019
Lizzo
Danielle Brooks
That’s the list. That’s it. Cast one of them or keep it on the playground
https://t.co/XIxhLteAhS
Your move, Disney.
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H/T the Root