Why Ursula Deserves a Second Chance: An Unbiased Look at The Little Mermaid's Misunderstood Villain

Melissa McCarthy sheds light on the misunderstood nature of Disney's sea witch Ursula, a prominent villain in the beloved animated classic The Little Mermaid. Originally voiced by Pat Carroll, Ursula struck a deal with Princess Ariel, voiced by Jodi Benson, in order to gain the ability to walk on land and ultimately overthrow the ruler of Atlantica. However, in the upcoming 2023 remake starring Halle Bailey, Ursula's background is further explored, adding depth to her character. McCarthy shares her insights on the true essence of this iconic Disney antagonist in the concluding moments of a recent episode of First We Feast's Hot Ones.

McCarthy defended Ursula's character, explaining that her extravagant outfits and confident personality are a facade she uses to conceal the pain she has endured since her banishment. In McCarthy's view, Ursula's appearance and attitude serve as a shield against her loneliness, feelings of betrayal from her family, and isolation. Despite Ursula's rough exterior, McCarthy admits to developing a deep affection for the character.

Is Ursula A Sympathetic Character In The Little Mermaid 2023?

In the 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, a unique twist is introduced where Ursula, the sea witch, is revealed to be the younger sibling of King Triton. This concept was first explored in the 2008 Broadway stage production, where Ursula's banishment from Atlantica was attributed to her involvement in black magic. Having been expelled from the kingdom 15 years prior to the events of the film, Ursula seizes the opportunity to approach Ariel, seeking revenge against Triton for destroying her treasured collection of surface world trinkets. Despite their newfound familial connection, Ursula manipulates Ariel to enact her vengeance upon Triton, following a similar storyline to the original film. However, in this rendition, Ursula's ruthlessness is further emphasized as she not only seizes Triton's throne and trident but also uses her eels to ultimately annihilate him, showcasing her willingness to betray her own family in order to satisfy her own desires.

The live-action version of Ursula in The Little Mermaid 2023 goes beyond what her animated counterpart did, but McCarthy's portrayal still aligns with the character from the film. Although the movie doesn't extensively explore Ursula's downfall, there are moments where her true self is revealed, such as when Ariel refers to her as "The Sea Witch," surprising her. These glimpses give insight into the person behind the villainous facade. Both McCarthy and Bardem express interest in a spin-off centered around Ursula and Triton, suggesting that there may be more stories to explore and develop the characters in the world of the live-action film.