Melissa McCarthy Says Playing Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action Film Is 'Glorious'

With several movie projects on her plate, actress Melissa McCarthy is truly enjoying her successful career. Recently, she described what it was like to play Ursula in Disney's live-action film "The Little Mermaid."

Actress Melissa McCarthy started 2021 with a bang, despite the pandemic. She captivated fans with her performance in the movie "Thunder Force" and the TV series "Nine Perfect Strangers."

Recently, she once again warmed fans' hearts with another Netflix feature, "The Starling." McCarthy has more exciting films up her sleeve, including the live-action movie "The Little Mermaid."

In the upcoming Disney live-action remake, McCarthy will bring the iconic character Ursula to life. She recently opened up to USA Today about how she felt about portraying the villainous sea witch, saying:

"Glorious. The world of Disney and (director) Rob Marshall is a world that I wish everyone could experience because it's so creative, kind and lovely."

The 51-year-old actress added she gets to attend daily singing classes and record with an orchestra she described as "mind-bending" because of how they could quickly catch a song melody.

The two-time Academy Award nominee, who admitted she is not a trained singer, said the whole experience was a fun process. She also assured movie watchers that the film will be incredible.

Acclaimed actresses Jodie Benson and Pat Carroll were the former voices behind Ariel and Ursula, respectively.

Disney's live remake of "The Little Mermaid" will premiere in theaters on May 26, 2023. Actress and singer Halle Bailey will play the role of Princess Ariel in the highly anticipated film.

Bailey said she auditioned for the role at 19 and filmed the movie amid the pandemic at 21. Besides the young star and McCarthy, actors Akwafina, Jonah Hauer-King, and Jacob Tremblay are also part of the cast.

The live movie remake comes years after its classic animated film premiered in 1989. Acclaimed actresses Jodie Benson and Pat Carroll were the former voices behind Ariel and Ursula, respectively.

With regard to how far McCarthy has come in her career, she previously credited comedian Jennifer Coolidge, who is famous for the hit movies "Legally Blonde" and "America Pie."

This was not the first time she spoke about Coolidge's influence over her career. During an interview in 2018, McCarthy described the comedy star as a "funny creature on the planet."

McCarthy said the movie legend helped her land a role in "Go," her first film, which launched her career. She then gained more appearances in "Gilmore Girls" and "Bridesmaids."

It was in "Bridesmaids" that she received her first-ever Oscar nomination. She earned more movie roles, such as in "Identity Thief" and "The Heat," wherein she starred with Sandra Bullock.