All eyes are on Disney as the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is about to premiere!

©Disney

We’ve seen the recent live-action remakes of Disney classics like Aladdin and The Lion King. We even heard the announcement of a live-action Moana that is in the works. Now, just days away from the film opening, the stars are sharing some of their inside thoughts about the film!

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, had quite a rigorous rehearsal process for her role.

©Getty Images

The process involved practicing with her tentacles for five weeks, with eight dancers each holding an eight-foot tentacle with suction cups on poles to simulate her movements. According to McCarthy, the purpose of the intensive rehearsal process was to help her understand the space she takes up on the screen and to get a better sense of the virtual world around her.

Melissa McCarthy talks acting with tentacles dancers at todays #TheLittleMermaid premiere pic.twitter.com/vzHAHzxsEn

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 9, 2023

She also shared that she took inspiration from drag queens for her portrayal of Ursula. “There’s something about Ursula, it’s that irreverent humor, it’s that bite, it’s her vulnerability, it’s her hurt, it’s how you cover, like what is your armor. I think Ursula it’s her makeup, it’s her stance, her posture, her acerbic wit,” McCarthy said.

©Disney

Javier Bardem, who plays King Triton, noted that his and Halle Bailey’s mermaid training was different as she was a natural while he, being a big guy, found it much harder to move. He also shared his thoughts on his on-screen relationship with Bailey, saying that the film delves deeper into the father-daughter dynamic and Triton’s journey to comprehend that true love means allowing the other person to be free.

Javier Bardem says he immediately adored Halle Bailey at todays #TheLittleMermaid premiere pic.twitter.com/plqR5pghCq

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 9, 2023

Jonah Hauer-King, who portrays Prince Eric, Ariel’s love interest, had a close bond with Bailey. He said, “She was immediately one of my best friends. She looked after me the whole way through, she was kind, she was supportive.”

Jonah Hauer-King talks what sets his Prince Eric apart from other Disney princes at todays #TheLittleMermaid premiere pic.twitter.com/L3jKUB2HnU

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 9, 2023

And there you have it. We’ll keep updating you with any news about this movie and more, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest!

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