Melissa McCarthy is reportedly in early talks to play the sea witch Ursula, the villain of the live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" for Disney Pictures.

Rob Marshall, who directed Mary Poppins Returns, is taking on directing duties. Songs from the original 1989 animated film will be included in the live-action film, as well as new songs from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

After the magical successes of Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin at the box office, and with The Lion King prepared to roar at boffo records next month, it is not surprising that Disney is making the remaining crown jewel of the Disney Renaissance a top priority. As such, major movement is beginning to swim around Rob Marshall and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s The Little Mermaid remake.

Source: Press Release