Ursula is no doubt an inspiration to theatrical performers all over the world. The Disney villain has shaped many drag queen makeup routines, and Halloweens since her appearance in 1989’s The Little Mermaid.
That tradition is being kept alive by Melissa McCarthy, who will star as Ursula in the upcoming live-action remake of the film. Speaking to EW, the actress opens up about conjuring her inner-drag queen to nail the role.
Telling EW, “There’s a drag queen that lives in me. I’m always right on the verge of going full-time with her… To keep the humor and the sadness and the edginess to Ursula is everything I want in a character — and frankly, everything I want in a drag queen.”
Even in the publication, Alan Menken confirms drag queen Divine inspired the animated character. Divine was an actor and performer known for his time in John Waters movies and for making obscure disco tracks. Divine’s harsh look was a clear inspiration in the original film, and McCarthy pays homage to those roots.
With Melissa McCarthy playing up the drag side and the Menken confirmation, Divine finally gets the proper credit while giving the iconic Ursula even more layers to play with in the final product.
SEE ALSO: Watch and you’ll see the trailer for Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid
McCarthy goes on to later describe her character in a unique way, saying, “She’s the villain, but there’s such an edge to her. She’s been put in this lair. It’s like she’s had too many martinis alone. Her friends are eels. That is a woman who has seen it, been in it, dug her way back out. All my references are terrible, but I kept thinking, ‘Many a Pall Mall has this woman had.'”
“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Directed by Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) from a script written by David Magee (Finding Neverland), The Little Mermaid stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (grown-ish) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (A Dog’s Way Home) as Prince Eric; Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (Raya and the Last Dragon) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (Room) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (Mary Poppins Returns) as Queen Selina; Art Malik (Homeland) as Sir Grimsby; with Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) as King Triton; and Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) as Ursula.
The Little Mermaid swims into cinemas on May 26th, 2023.
