Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Taking up the role of the villainous Ursula inThe Little Mermaidwas not going to be a cakewalk. And Hollywood actor Melissa McCarthy was definitely aware of the immense pressure that came with it. To deliver her best as the villain, the two-time Oscar nominee had two sets of challenges right in front of her. One, to convey a convincingly conniving performance, and two, to be comparable to the beloved original Ursula from the 1989 Disney classic voiced by Pat Carroll. However, during her journey to transform into Ursula, McCarthy came across one of her hidden talents.
Here’s what McCarthy realized about herself while bringing the iconic Ursula to life and fighting the complexities and expectations associated with it.
READ MORE:“I just sink to the bottom”: Halle Bailey’s Co-Star Survived Scary Accident While Filming $250 Million Movie ‘The Little Mermaid’
When Melissa McCarthy realized her hidden talent for singing
Portraying the lead role of Ariel,Halle Baileyis a singer and actress who rose to fame with her albums likeThe Kids Are AlrightandUngodly Hour.Known for her collaborations with her sister Chloe Bailey, the duo has earned around five Grammy Award nominations for their work. Hence, it’s no surprise that Halle did not have many problems while portraying Ariel in the live-adaptation, musical fantasy.
However, unlike Bailey, her co-actorMelissa McCarthydoes not have a background in singing. An actress, screenwriter, and producer, McCarthy has received two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe nominations for her exceptional work in her respective fields.
But during the initial phase of shooting The Little Mermaid, McCarthy realized that she does have a talent for singing. The Gilmore Girls actress had no idea that she can actually sing before the production phase of the movie.
And interestingly enough, McCarthy did all of her own singing as Ursula inThe Little Mermaidafter being coached by theLa La Landfamed vocal coach Eric Vetro.
READ MORE:“Top tier films tend to do that”: With $250M, Halle Bailey’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Has Officially Surpassed Original 1989 Disney Animated Movie Collection
“Literally has this massive voice” – Director Rob Marshall on Melissa McCarthy’s casting
As reported by USA Today, Melissa Mccarthy imploredThe Little Mermaiddirector Rob Marshall to consider her for the role of Ursula. Being sure it was a futile effort considering her non-existent background in singing, McCarthy said,
“I told him, ‘I’m probably not even on the bottom of your list. But I would love to talk to you about it, please, because I feel this Ursula connection.”
However, digging out her 2016 gig from Barbara Streisand’s albumEncore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway,McCarthy approached Marshall. Admitting that the only available sample from Streisand’s album did help, Marshall said,
“But I didn’t really know to what extent Melissa could sing. I was thrilled to see that she literally has this massive voice with so many colors. And she’s fearless. We just clicked as friends and collaborators.”
READ MORE:“Go woke…Go rich”: The Little Mermaid Sends Racist Trolls into Meltdown, Earns $350M in Just 13 Days
Apart from McCarthy, American rapper, singer, actor, and songwriter Lizzo showed her inclination toward portraying the role. However, ultimately McCarthy ended up playing Ursula, whereas a highly excited Lizzo hyped McCarthy up by claiming she cannot wait to watch her performance in the movie.
Source:IMDb
Devyani Sharma
Articles Published :288
With a portfolio of over 600 articles, Devyani Sharma is a freelance writer working in the Entertainment and Sports niche. With a Master’s Degree in English literature, Devyani places great importance on the power of words and their ability to connect with readers. When not busy watching sci-fi movies, action thrillers and comedies, Devyani indulges in her love for fiction novels and writing about NASCAR races.
