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1 year ago
6
Disney, I have a proposal for you.
By now, I imagine many of you will have seen The Little Mermaid – the live action re-imagining of the 1989 Disney classic starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.
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Y'know what else people are raving about? One Melissa McCarthy as the movie's iconic villain, Ursula.
We will come back to that "prequel" comment in a second.
Fans have lauded Melissa's characterisation of the much-loved Disney villain, as well as her singing in the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls".
Melissa McCarthy ate y’all. Every scene, every line, the song, the drama, the facial expressions. Couldn’t hate her even if I tried I fear!
— Get Her, Jade! (@keatingssixth) May 27, 2023That's seriously impressive considering that Pat Carroll, the voice of Ursula in the 1989 movie, gives one of the most memorable and outstanding vocal performances ever committed to film.
The actor has spoken about advocating fiercely for herself when it came to the role being cast – a role which seems have to have inspired her for most of her life!
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"When I was a nanny... for three years I watched it almost every night" she told Kelly Clarkson "to get to play [Ursula] and to work with Rob Marshall... I literally burst out crying". Of campaigning for the role, Melissa told interviewers, "I knew that if I didn't try, I would regret it forever".
Despite her love for the character, Melissa has also spoken about being "nervous" to play Ursula. But now she and co-star Javier Bardem are keen to reprise their roles in a spin-off movie!
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"I had a moment where [I knew] she had created a unique and iconic Ursula in this movie", Javier told The Hollywood Reporter. "She's brought everything that you can ask for and imagine. So I need an Ursula spinoff, and since our characters are siblings, I want to have one scene with her while having dinner."
"Let’s go for six or seven if we’re throwing it out there", Melissa herself added.
I know a non-committal remark when I see one, but let's be honest, a Maleficent-style prequel for Ursula would be ICONIC.
View this video on YouTube
youtube.comSo far, there has been zero talk about a prequel spin-off, but it's clear from this interview with Screen Rant Plus that Melissa and Javier – in particular – would be down. Not only that, but the depth of character that Melissa imbued Ursula with (think of when she talks about "suffering" when she's finally faced with King Triton) is dying to be explored in a movie all about her life!
We've seen prequels about Maleficent and Cruella, but I strongly believe THIS is the only one we actually need. Do you agree?
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Like, I honestly have so many questions!! What was Ursula like when she was young? Did she serve cünt from a young age? What was her relationship like with Triton before they became estranged? And what DID she do to be banished from the palace????
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