'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Remake: Everything We Know So Far

'The Little Mermaid' live-action remake is in development, and there are so many reasons to look forward to it.

Unlike other Disney live-action remakes that got criticized for not featuring a single song (remember Mulan?), 'The Little Mermaid'  promises more music and even new songs to sing along. 

Here's everything we know so far. 

When Will 'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Remake Release? 

Disney is yet to announce a release date for the live-action remake, but filming has already begun before Covid-19 lockdowns, and the team is hoping to resume shooting this month. 

Melissa McCarthy, who'll play Ursula in the remake, confirmed this information last month in Watch What Happens Live.

"For The Little Mermaid, hopefully, if everything is…safe, we go back to shooting in January in London, which is very exciting, which is very exciting," the actress said after getting asked about the filming status of the movie. 

Who Will Be In The Cast Of The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Remake? 

'Grown-ish' star, Halle Bailey, will play the role of Ariel. Film director Rob Marshall said that the young actress was chosen for the role because she "possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance—plus a glorious singing voice".

However, racist controversy followed her casting announcement. Some people aren't thrilled to see a girl of color to portray the Disney character and were quick to air their remarks. Nonetheless, Bailey chooses to ignore the negativity.

"I feel like I'm dreaming, and I'm just grateful, and I don't pay attention to the negativity," Bailey told Variety.  "I just feel like this role was something bigger than me and greater, and it's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it."

Hauer-King has been cast to play Ariel's love interest, Prince Eric. The Wrap reported that Harry Styles had turned down the role in 2019.

McCarthy is confirmed to play the sea witch, Ursula, while Javier Bardem will star as King Triton.

Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina will play two of Ariel's close friends. They will be voicing Flounder and Scuttle, respectively.

Hamilton's Daveed Diggs will be the voice singing "Under the Sea." The actor will also star as Ariel's crab friend Sebastian.

Early this year, Deadline reported that Noma Dumezweni will be joining the cast members in a yet to be disclosed role. 

What To Expect In 'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Remake? 

There are a few things that will set the remake apart from the original Disney animated film.

For one, the upcoming live-action remake will feature new songs.

The original film's composer/co-songwriter, Alan Menken, will be returning to compose the score. What's awesome is he will also be co-writing new songs with Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda for the remake.

Miranda's previous work in 'Moana' (How Far I'll Go) earned him several accolades, and now that he will be working with Menken on new music, we can only expect the live-action remake to be even better.  

Miranda had been the biggest supporter of the remake, even tweeting about it in the years since.

According to the actor, this prompted Disney to consider him for the project.

"This came out of a conversation with Disney, and basically they were like, 'There's no bigger fan of this movie than you, and no bigger public supporter,'" Miranda told Vulture.