Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem Push for Little Mermaid Ursula-Triton Spinoff
Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem, who play Ursula and King Triton in the live-action The Little Mermaid, are proposing a spinoff film that explores the dynamic between the two characters Their on-screen relationship as siblings adds a new layer to the story, making for an exciting potential spinoff
The Little Mermaid live-action remake has already cast Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem as Ursula and King Triton, respectively, and the two stars are pushing for a spinoff film for their characters. The movie is the latest addition to Disney's list of live-action remakes, and early reviews have been positive, highlighting standout performances from Halle Bailey and McCarthy. Along with changes to the songs, the remake also modifies King Triton and Ursula's relationship, making them siblings. McCarthy and Bardem recently shared their experience working together on set in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, where they praised each other's talents. Bardem even expressed his desire for a spinoff film that would feature a scene where King Triton has dinner with Ursula. Check out their full quotes below:
Bardem: My turn! Working with Melissa is a joy and a gift. It’s sad that we only had one day.
McCarthy: I know.
Bardem marveled at Melissa's delivery of some heavy lines, causing his spine to shiver. He felt her energy and was surprised by her portrayal of Ursula. He realized she had created a unique and iconic character in this film, bringing everything one could ask for and imagine. Bardem now desires an Ursula spinoff, and as their characters are siblings, he wishes to have a scene with her while having dinner. McCarthy jokingly suggests having six or seven scenes instead.
What Could An Ursula Spinoff Be About?
:
It is yet to be determined how well the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid will perform at the box office. If the film enjoys the same level of success as the remakes of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, it could pave the way for a spinoff. While the idea of an Ursula spinoff has never gained much traction before, Pat Carroll's portrayal of the Sea Witch in the 1989 animated film was nothing short of iconic. Although Ursula's death at the end of the original story limits the potential for a spinoff, the live-action film introduces the intriguing concept that Ursula is King Triton's estranged sister, which presents filmmakers with a wealth of new possibilities to explore in a McCarthy-led spinoff. While their sibling relationship was not apparent in the 1989 animated movie, it was revealed in The Little Mermaid's novelization and stage musical.
One potential direction for a Little Mermaid spinoff could be to explore Ursula's backstory and her estrangement from Triton and the rest of the Atlantican royal family. This could provide insight into how Ursula transforms from a character similar to Ariel and her sisters into the vengeful Sea Witch we see in the original film. By portraying Ursula as a resident of Atlantica rather than an outcast, the filmmakers could fulfill both Javier Bardem's request for a dinner table scene between the siblings and Melissa McCarthy's desire for multiple scenes featuring their characters.
