Halle Bailey is set to play the iconic princess of Disney, Ariel in the upcoming live-action film, The Little Mermaid. While the film is garnering much attention due to its main female protagonist’s casting, there is another thing that one might have overlooked regarding this film. While the actors have already been cast for the film, the live adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film of the same name had almost cast Lizzo for the antagonist role.
The latter was ready to give her best shot for the role of Ursula who even used social media to further pitch for the role.
Lizzo Wanted to Play Ursula in The Little Mermaid
Also Read: Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid Changed Song Lyrics as “People have gotten very sensitive”
The Grammy winner, Lizzo was aiming for the role of Ursula in the upcoming live-action film, The Little Mermaid. She even made sure to campaign herself on social media platforms to upload clips of her singing while dressing up like the antagonist of the film. For the part, she sang the film’s classic song Poor Unfortunate Souls on social media platforms and even tagged Disney to get their attention. However, her efforts were futile as the role eventually went to Melissa McCarthy.
While she did not get the role, she addressed it during an interview with Variety and shared, “I’m fine as hell” with the loss.
She continued,
“That has nothing to do with Ursula, but I was down to make Ursula a THOT, shaking a*s.”
She even shared her encounter with McCarthy who is now going to be seen portraying Ursula opposite to Halle Bailey‘s Ariel.
Melissa McCarthy’s Reaction When She Knew Lizzo Auditioned for Ursula
Also Read: Ariel Allegedly Won’t Lose Her Voice in Halle Bailey’s Little Mermaid Like in Original 1989 Movie
In the interview, she further opened up about meeting the comedian at Adele’s One Night Only CBS concert special in Los Angeles and how the Spy actress reacted to their shared Ursula history.
The singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson shared,
“She was like, ‘Hi, I’m Melissa.’ And I was like, ‘Hi, I’m Melissa. And I also auditioned for Ursula.’ And she was like, ‘Well, why the hell did I get the part?’ which is a classic Melissa McCarthy thing to say.”
Though she told the comedian that her audition was “terrible,” she clarified to the outlet that her audition was good. She further added that her singing was great while shrugging off the topic to be discussed further.
Directed by Rob Marshall, The Little Mermaid is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 26, 2023.
Source: Variety
