It looks like Disney is working hard on developing their live-action remakes. We just recently got the trailer for their upcoming 101 Dalmations prequel, Cruella. It will tell the story of the iconic villain before she becomes obsessed with Dalmations. It looks like they are also hard at work in adapting their next live-action adaptation of a Disney classic, as The Little Mermaid has officially cast Jessica Alexander. Her role is currently undisclosed for the upcoming Rob Marshall film. She will be joining Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, and Javier Bardem.
Alexander had quite a year with her work on Ruth Paxton’s A Banquet and Kelsey Egan’s Glasshouse. After her debut with Get Even on Netflix, it is a great step forward. David Magee‘s script will adapt 1989 animated classic. It will also include the songs and add some new ones. Alan Menken will compose them based on lyrics by Hamilton‘s Lin-Manuel Miranda. He will also produce the film alongside Marshall, Marc Platt, and John DeLuca.
It will be interesting to see if they stick to the original story similar to Aladdin, or if they will add more context to the story. Bailey will be playing the titular role of Ariel opposite McCarthy‘s Ursula. Bardem will tackle the role of Triton in the story. Alexander could be playing one of Ariel’s sisters, or even voice Flounder. It will be interesting if they integrate more aspects of the original Hans Christian Andersen to flesh out the story more. No matter what direction they will go, it’s going to be interesting to see Disney attempt a film that mainly takes place underwater.
Source: Deadline
