Ursula movie

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From Variety:

‘Cruella’ Star Emma Stone Says Disney Villain Ursula Should Get Her Own Movie

By Antonio Ferme

Disney’s new “Cruella” tells the origin story of the iconic villain Cruella de Vil. Emma Stone stars as the titular character with Emma Thompson playing her nemesis, fashion designer Baroness von Hellman.

Variety’s senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin asked the cast of the film which other Disney villains they think should get a big-screen origin story.

Stone said it would be interesting to see Ursula, who will be played by Melissa McCarthy in the upcoming live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” headline her own film.

“She’s an octopus and the world you would get to live in, like Ursula’s parents and what happened there,” Stone said. “You’ve never really seen a non-human Disney villain be explored in that way.”

Thompson joked that Ursula’s trauma could come from having to continuously experience an octopus’ worst nightmare. “The parents keep giving her a shirt that only has four arms,” Thompson said. “They really mess her up with that from a very early age, so she’s constantly trying to fit two arms into each hole. That would really mess you up, wouldn’t it?”

Kirby Howell-Baptiste, who plays photojournalist and gossip columnist Maya, also agreed that Ursula needs her own movie.

“I gotta know how Ursula came to be,” Howell-Baptiste said. “Like, why is she so da** mean? But also I know that she’s misunderstood.”

Her second choice for a new Disney villain origin story would be Scar from “The Lion King.” Chiwetel Ejiofor voiced the villain in Jon Favreau’s photorealistic remake of “The Lion King” in 2019. A sequel will be helmed by “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, but given the financial success of Favreau’s film, there’s no reason why Disney couldn’t explore Scar and Mufasa’s past in a prequel.

“I think Scar has some deep-seated issues, and obviously his brother was clearly the favorite,” Howell-Baptiste said. “He’s not wrong on some things.”

Joel Fry, who plays Jasper, said Jafar from “Aladdin” would be a good choice for a solo origin story. In the live-action 2019 adaptation, the character was portrayed by Marwan Kenzari.

Meanwhile, Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Horace Badun, cracked that he would be interested to see Daron Aronofsky’s take on “Lilo and Stitch.”

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From The DisInsider:

‘Cruella’ Cast Talks Villain Origin Story Ideas

2 mins ago Josh Sharpe

With Cruella released to theaters and Disney+ today, the cast recently discussed with Variety other Disney villains that would make great origin story films.


Emma Stone, playing the titular role of Cruella in the film, suggests The Little Mermaid‘s Ursula as a good character to explore.

“She’s an octopus and the world you would get to live in, like Ursula’s parents and what happened there. You’ve never really seen a non-human Disney villain be explored in that way.”

Emma Stone -------


Emma Thompson (The Baroness) added to the suggestion saying, “The parents keep giving her a shirt that only has four arms. They really mess her up with that from a very early age, so she’s constantly trying to fit two arms into each hole. That would really mess you up, wouldn’t it?”

Kirby Howell-Baptiste, who plays Anita Darling in Cruella, also agrees with Stone and Thompson:

“I gotta know how Ursula came to be. Like, why is she so da** mean? But also I know that she’s misunderstood.”

Kirby Howell-Baptiste ---------


Of course, Melissa McCarthy will be playing the role in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which is likely to be released sometime next year.

Other members of the cast suggested origin stories for Scar (whose origin may in fact be revealed in Barry Jenkins’ upcoming prequel to the live-action remake of The Lion King) and Jafar.

Cruella is currently available to watch both in theaters and through Disney+’s Premier Access. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film explores the origin of the iconic villain from the 1961 film One Hundred and One Dalmatians. It stars Emma Stone as Cruella herself, in addition to Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.

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From Screenrant:

Emma Stone Says The Little Mermaid's Ursula Should Get Her Own Movie
Emma Stone, the star of Cruella, reveals that she'd pick sea witch Ursula to be the next iconic Disney villain to get the live-action treatment.

BY SIAN ALLEN
PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

Emma Stone, star of Disney’s Cruella, thinks Ursula from The Little Mermaid should be the next iconic Disney villain to get her own film. Cruella is the latest in Disney’s endeavors to reimagine some of the studio’s most beloved animated films in live-action. Cruella de Vil is the extremely fashionable villainess of 101 Dalmatians – and this isn’t the first time she’s appeared in live-action, as Glenn Close famously portrayed her in previous adaptations of the original 1961 animated movie.

Cruella is a villain origin story, following in the footsteps of 2014’s Maleficent. It reimagines Cruella as Estella, an aspiring fashion designer and budding criminal who wants to get ahead in 70s punk-rock London. Alongside Stone, the movie stars Emma Thompson as Baroness von Hellman, a renowned fashion designer who takes Estella on as a protégé. The cast also includes Mark Strong, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Joel Fry. Cruella has received fairly positive reviews, with many praising Stone’s take on the iconic role.

Now, Stone has revealed which Disney villain she thinks should be next to get the live-action origin story treatment. In an interview with Variety, Stone picked Ursula, the half-octopus sea witch inspired by drag queen Divine that steals Ariel’s voice. The Oscar-winning actress explained that the non-humanness of Ursula would be interesting for Disney to explore - “She’s an octopus and the world you would get to live in, like Ursula’s parents and what happened there - you’ve never really seen a non-human Disney villain be explored in that way.”

Like Cruella de Vil, Ursula is one of Disney’s most iconic and beloved villains – and based on the critical and commercial success of films like Cruella and Maleficent (as well as Todd Philips’s Joker) it’s clear that audiences are interested in exploring what it takes to make a great villain right now. As The Little Mermaid is a story all about transformation, a movie about Ursula’s transformation into the evil sea witch everyone knows and loves could be very compelling, especially if Ursula started out as a poor unfortunate soul just like the ones she keeps trapped in her cave.

The good news is that Disney villain fans will definitely see Ursula in live-action very soon. Melissa McCarthy has been cast as Ursula in the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, where she will be singing both classic and brand-new songs penned by Alan Menken and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda. If The Little Mermaid is a success, there’s a good chance that Ursula might get her own solo movie. Judging by the love for Cruella, it looks like Disney may be putting more focus on their villains in the years to come.

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From Skyler Shuler instagram stories:

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From CBR:

Forget Cruella: An Ursula Prequel Is Disney's Most Important Origin Story
Cruella gave the titular villain her own origin story, but The Little Mermaid's villain already has the perfect makings for a solo movie.

BY ZACHARY GUIDA
PUBLISHED 17 HOURS AGO

Disney's recent live-action release, Cruella, tells the origin story of the titular Cruella de Vil and explores what led to her becoming the dog snatching villainess Disney fans know. Cruella isn't the first Disney villain to receive a Wicked-style redemption film, with Maleficent charging out of the gate with two solo films under her belt. Disney's newfound exploration of its villains and what makes them human provides the company with a plethora of stories to explore and expand upon. Of course, there's one Disney villain in particular who is perfect for a redeeming origin story -- The Little Mermaid's Ursula.

Ursula the Sea Witch first appeared in Disney's The Little Mermaid in 1989 as the film's main antagonist. Long since banished from the kingdom of Atlantica by King Triton, Ursula used the king's daughter Ariel to steal Triton's power. She was ultimately killed and defeated by Ariel and her love Prince Eric, but that didn't stop her from reappearing in Disney's multiple Little Mermaid adaptations over the years.


Little Mermaid: Why Was Ursula Banished From Trident's Kingdom?

The exact reason why Ursula was banished by King Triton is never stated in the original film. The Broadway musical adaptation of the movie expands on Ursula's relationship with Triton and her banishment, depicting the two as siblings who each inherited a portion of their father's power after he passed. Ursula dabbled in dark magic and wanted more power, resulting in Triton banishing her from Atlantica just as he did in the movie.

An origin story could dive into Ursula's relationship with Triton before her lust for power overtook her and paint a picture of what their lives were like before Triton was king. The musical establishes that the two were meant to rule together after their father's passing, meaning Ursula may have been Queen of Atlantica for a time. Perhaps in a Maleficent-esque twist, Triton usurped Ursula's power by spreading lies about her using dark magic to become the sole ruler of Atlantica. That could have led to her actually using dark magic and slowly transforming into the devilish sea witch.


Is Ursula A Villain - Or Just Misunderstood?

Like most Disney villains in their original appearances, Ursula is a fairly straightforward villain with a clear motive and an inherent wicked nature. Her only drive is to usurp Triton's place on the throne and become Queen of Atlantica, with her having no qualms about using her niece to get to Triton. The Little Mermaid film also depicts Ursula as having a long history of making deals with merpeople that ultimately only benefit her and results in the eternal enslavement of the merfolk. Overall, she's certainly memorable as a villain but not all that fleshed out past her evil desires.

Of course, an origin film would have to expand on that, with the biggest addition being what drives Ursula to become or be seen as a villain. If she grew up in Triton's shadow, or vice versa, that could create easy sibling conflict that would likely escalate during their time ruling together following their father's death. An outside threat could also come to the kingdom to create a reason why Ursula needs to explore dark magic to begin with. Triton would most likely have a more direct hand in the downfall of his sister no matter what, even if he does not wish to see himself as the villain.


Why Does Ursula Deserve A Prequel Origin Story?

Whereas villains like the Wicked Witch or Cruella needed major fleshing out from the source material to create their origin stories, Ursula already has all the key parts she needs from her original movie. The banished magical sister of the King of the Sea already has promise. Depending on how dark Disney is willing to go, the film could even explore Ursula having a hand in the death of Ariel's unseen mother (because we're definitely ignoring that terrible animated prequel).

Of all the Disney villains to flesh out and make more "human," Ursula fits the mold the best. The story of an up-and-coming royal figure transformed into a scorned, banished witch follows a similar path to that of Elphaba in the Broadway musical Wicked.

Perhaps like her fellow misunderstood witch, Ursula could start off as someone who truly wants to help the kingdom with her magic, but perhaps through a magical accident or Triton's machinations, she becomes an evil figure to the people of Atlantica. With its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Disney will have the perfect opportunity to bring Ursula back into the mainstream and hopefully expand on her further with her own standalone film.

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From Fandomwire:

After Cruella & Maleficent, Disney Should Make A Live Action Movie On Little Mermaid’s Ursula
by Bibhu Prasad Panda
about 14 hours ago

Disney recently released Cruella, a live action origin story of the titular villainess from 101 Dalmatians. But before the dog nabbing villainess could gain a foothold, Disney had already made millions banking on The Little Mermaid’s Ursula, the original Femme Fatale of Disney’s animated franchise. Cruella has earned rave reviews and has opened up a door to infinite possibilities for the studio. Disney must be now looking forward to other villains it could cash in on. Ursula seems to be the perfect choice.

Ursula the Sea Witch was first seen in 1989’s The Little Mermaid. She was once a citizen of Triton’s Kingdom. But her mischievous and notorious nature led Triton to banish her. Exiled, Ursula plotted to depose Triton and gain his power for herself, ruling the seven seas as she wished. Her plans were thwarted by Ariel and Eric. She was beaten and killed in the movie. But that never stopped her from making multiple appearances in several Little Mermaid shows that came in the latter years.

The reason of her banishment from Atlantica is not explicitly stated in the movie. The Broadway musical sheds some light. Ursula and Triton were siblings. Both of them inherited a portion of their father’s power, the original rule of Atlantica. While Triton used his powers for truth and justice, Ursula grew ever more power-hungry, dabbling in dark magic. This led to Triton discovering her acts and exiling her.

Making Ursula More Human Than Monster

Disney Villains like Maleficent and Cruella needed to have a more fleshed out story arc so that the viewers know their villainous origin stories. Almost everyone knows the story of Ursula. So the live action movie does not need to dive deep into the lore. It creates room for the movie to focus on the present story arc – on how Ursula was pushed into the abyss of villainy.

In Maleficent, it was shown the titular villainess was a victim of circumstances. That she was no inherently evil, just spiteful of others. Maybe an Ursula movie could explore how Triton, Ursula’s sibling, spread lies about her using dark magic, that eventually turned the merfolk against her. Or maybe another threat to Atlantica came into being that forced Ursula to resort to the forbidden arts.

Either way, Ursula’s origin story would make for a good movie. There is a wonderful universe beneath the sea surface just waiting to hit the big screens. And coming to the actress of our choice to play a young Ursula, maybe Kat Dennings or Melissa McCarthy could fit in those shoes?

[buckmana]

I'm not really approving of villain movies, mostly because it might attempt to portray them as sympathetic characters and well, to be candid, there's a delusional fanbase who always tell themselves the villain is the real hero of the story.
Those people aren't exactly living in reality and movies like this just encourage their headcanon fantasies.

But if they do it right, as in, show that Ursula eventually becomes completely 100% evil despite being possibly a good person in the beginning, then a movie like this could work.
We know she was one of the most ruthless villains in the Disney canon and depending on writer interpretation, was willing to kill her own brother and niece just to conquer or destroy the world and all the people in it.

I'm assuming she didn't start out as a octopus, that she was originally a mermaid and transformed into the form we know her as now.
The TLM series showed that you need to acquire the power of a sea witch, it isn't an innate power and perhaps Ursula acquiring that power transformed her physically. Or she made the transformation herself after obtaining the power, she's definitely got the power of transmogrification, as she uses it on Ariel, herself and her victims.
Once Upon a Time also showed that as her origin story too, that she used to be a mermaid before transforming into her octopus form.

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I also think Ursula was a mermaid in origin.
I think she is the King Triton'sister.

[merprincess]

I heard from many of the original TLM animators that Ursula was born a mermaid. Basically Vanessa (but with fins) was Ursula's mermaid form and she turned into the octopus Ursula as we know her when she got banished out into exile by King Triton. I think this was explored more in the original script where Triton and Ursula were siblings (which is a plot point also used on Broadway and rumored to be used again in the upcoming live action adaptation).

[buckmana]

There was a deleted scene in the original animated movie where the sailors sing about Ursula and her relationship with Triton, specifically that she was exiled for trying to conquer the oceans.
But since that scene was removed, I guess the backstory element was removed along with it.

I wonder, was Ursula's tail black, like her octopus limbs?
Every mermaid tends to be brightly colored, presumably because they live up in the brighter parts of the ocean, so their colors can be seen.
A deep dwelling mermaid might have different, less ostentatious patterning, because they can't be seen so easily in the dark.
Would be interesting if Ursula came from these theorectical deep mermaid offshoot group.
Like they could say that their parents were one shallow dweller and one deep dweller, producing one of each when they had children, Triton for the surface child and Ursula for the deep dweller child.

[yougottaloveariel]

I always suspected this when I learned about the sibling relationship between Ursula and Triton Ursula can shape shift (with the right potions) and due to the "weight gain" she addded the extra "arms" which would also come in handy for fast mixing Also the Cephlapod editions would give her a strength advantage

[merprincess]

Jun 19, 2021 1:19:37 GMT -5 buckmana said:

There was a deleted scene in the original animated movie where the sailors sing about Ursula and her relationship with Triton, specifically that she was exiled for trying to conquer the oceans.
But since that scene was removed, I guess the backstory element was removed along with it.

I wonder, was Ursula's tail black, like her octopus limbs?
Every mermaid tends to be brightly colored, presumably because they live up in the brighter parts of the ocean, so their colors can be seen.
A deep dwelling mermaid might have different, less ostentatious patterning, because they can't be seen so easily in the dark.
Would be interesting if Ursula came from these theorectical deep mermaid offshoot group.
Like they could say that their parents were one shallow dweller and one deep dweller, producing one of each when they had children, Triton for the surface child and Ursula for the deep dweller child.

ooh I really like this idea buckmana !
A darker tail for Ursula as a mermaid, either black like her tentacles or a dark purple, would be an awesome design! And the idea of them being half siblings like that is super fascinating and I feel would still work well with the story!

The extended edition of Fathoms Below references Triton's "witch of a sister, named Ursula": www.youtube.com/watch?v=xViGEtZtGZY with the storyboards, there are a couple of different demo/work tape versions actually: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwKyV5JKVRM here's another one, and a longer version here www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFrZ8TDvDik where they seem to have abandoned the sibling plot as they do in the final film.

All the different versions of the lyrics for Fathoms Below (and other songs) are cataloged here by Clear Black Line's excellent TLM website "Daring to Dream": www.cbl.orcein.net/thelittlemermaid/songs/fathomsbelow.htm


Artist Yohann Antoine on instagram has a really interesting series about the backstory between Triton & Ursula, check out his instagram tag: www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ursulayohannantoine/ Here are the tumblr links to these posts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Also this tumblr edit by user night130 shows us what Vanessa might look like as a mermaid (though very much using Ariel's facial features. it's not meant to be a new full story like Yohann's, just an edit/manip switching the character design a bit and imagining an alternate universe of what it'd be like if Ariel were Vanessa instead in TLM)
night130.tumblr.com/post/654030872099586048/a-little-mermaid-au-if-vanessa-the-sea-witch-met


So many different angles to explore!

[yougottaloveariel]

I knew about the sibling connection since 1990 It is in the Scholastic version of the boo along with this little tidbit When Ariel goes to visit Scuttle after showing the "dinglehopper" And Ariel gets it back she starts to comb her hair with it Scuttle responds "If I did not know any better I'd swear I was talking to a human right now" Early LM merchandise shows pics of Ariel combing her hair with that famous piece of silverware

    There were a few products like this image could have been a deleted scene so when at the Dinner Table the impact of here actions is more stronger

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Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/little-mermaid-melissa-mccarthy-javier-bardem-ursula-triton-1235499894/

‘The Little Mermaid’ Stars Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem Want an Ursula/Triton Spinoff
The onscreen siblings had never worked together until one fateful day on set, recalls McCarthy: “I was really nervous to meet him.”

BY BRIAN DAVIDS

MAY 25, 2023 8:30AM


Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem attends the World Premiere of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC

Melissa McCarthy was definitely on edge when she knew she’d be working with the actor behind Anton Chigurh, Bond villain Raoul Silva and many other intimidating characters, but Javier Bardem quickly disarmed her during their one day of shooting together on The Little Mermaid. McCarthy and Bardem play rival siblings Ursula and King Triton in Rob Marshall and John DeLuca’s live-action reimagining of the 1989 animated classic, and once her anxiety quickly dissipated, McCarthy made a point to enjoy every second that she shared with Bardem.

“I was really nervous to meet him, but the nerves went away within two seconds. The second you meet Javier, he’s like a walking warm hug,” McCarthy tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I always find it fascinating how people throw their energy so differently per their characters. When his energy is on, it’s what you would expect from being in a room with Javier [in character]. You feel it.”

Bardem’s body of work consists of mostly grown-up fare, including some of the most terrifying baddies that have ever been brought to the screen, so he definitely wanted to make something that his two young kids could enjoy. The film has also helped prepare him for the inevitable day when he has to let his children leave the nest, something King Triton struggles to do with Ariel (Halle Bailey).

“It’s about the fear and the insecurity that one feels as a father in order to understand and accept the fact that your kids are going to fly free sooner or later,” Bardem says. “And, as a father, I related to that. In Rob [Marshall] and John’s [DeLuca] version, they have strengthened that side of the story.… It’s more reliable and more emotional than the original…with all the respect and love for the original, of course.”

Below, during a recent conversation with THR, McCarthy and Bardem also discuss how Marshall and DeLuca’s backgrounds in dance and choreography made their filming experiences even more unique. Bardem then makes the case for an Ursula and Triton spinoff.

Well, I never imagined that I’d be interviewing the two of you together. Had the two of you ever crossed paths before this?

Melissa McCarthy: No, but I’ve dreamed of it. I’ve always wanted to, so this is quite a thrill for me.

Javier Bardem: For me, too. I follow the amazing work that she does, and we love her at home. So it was great to know that we at least had a day that we could cross paths on the set.


Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. COURTESY OF DISNEY

Melissa, was playing against type a big factor in committing to Ursula?

McCarthy: I always start with the character. For me, a comedy or a drama, there are no differences. Energetically, there’s a different drive sometimes depending on the story, but I think of them both as the same and I prepare the same way. I kind of dig into what their armor is, what they’re hiding and what they show people versus what it’s really deflecting, so you don’t notice the insecurity. In Ursula’s case, it’s the loneliness, the rejection and all those great fun qualities. She’s a great broad. She is sliding off a piano in any cabaret bar you go to, and you can’t look away. But there’s a lot of darkness and a lot of damage to this character, so that’s really what I tried to balance. I didn’t want to take her light away and only go dark, but it was really a constant, careful balance of the dark and the light.

Javier, your character is an overprotective father who has trouble loosening his grip. Could you relate to where he was coming from as a father yourself, even if he took it too far?

Bardem: Of course. It’s about the fear and the insecurity that one feels as a father in order to understand and accept the fact that your kids are going to fly free sooner or later. And you have to support that, because that’s what life is all about. It’s finding your own way and not living by other people’s commands. And, as a father, I related to that. In Rob [Marshall] and John’s [DeLuca] version, they have strengthened that side of the story a little bit more. It’s more reliable and more emotional than the original in that sense, with all the respect and love for the original, of course.

Most of your films are intended for grown-ups, so did you also want to make something that your kids would be able to watch?

Bardem: Yeah, that was a good reason for me to say yes to this on top of many other reasons, but the fact that I could share this with my kids was an important one. They haven’t seen it yet but they will, and that will be a baptism by fire for me. Let’s see if I survive that.

McCarthy and Bardem: (Laugh.)

McCarthy: I think you’ll do fine.

Bardem: OK, let’s see!


Javier Bardem as King Triton in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. COURTESY OF DISNEY

Melissa, nobody frightens people quite like a Javier Bardem character, so were you pretty anxious in the lead-up to your scene?

McCarthy: I was really nervous to meet him, but the nerves went away within two seconds. The second you meet Javier, he’s like a walking warm hug.

Bardem: (Laughs.)

McCarthy: He’s so sweet, and I always find it fascinating how people throw their energy so differently per their characters. Of course, I’m a fan like everybody else, but you don’t know what you’re going to come up against. And then I was like, “Oh, of course. He’s this very open, warm, creative person that can throw lightning bolts,” which is not a King Triton pun. When his energy is on, it’s what you would expect from being in a room with Javier [in character]. You feel it. You don’t just see it or believe it; you actually viscerally feel it. So when you get to work with someone who can do that, it is always a thrill.

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: But I had a moment where [Melissa] was delivering some pretty heavy lines and they made my spine [shiver]. I felt the energy. So I didn’t see her Ursula until that moment, but I knew then that she had created a unique and iconic Ursula in this movie. She’s brought everything that you can ask for and imagine. So I need an Ursula spinoff, and since our characters are siblings, I want to have one scene with her while having dinner.

McCarthy: Let’s go for six or seven if we’re throwing it out there. C’mon!

Disney, I hope you’re listening.

McCarthy & Bardem: (Laughs.)

Rob Marshall was once a dancer before becoming a choreographer and then a director. So does he direct movement more specifically than most directors?

McCarthy: With Rob and John being dancers, they explain things through, especially John, physically. A dancer can’t not use their body and their physicality, so every move we do in this is choreographed. We weren’t standing on the floor, and so 10 people made all of our movements possible. There were people lifting us up and down, circulating and undulating. So we all had to work as this team of dancers, and Rob and John really speak to that. They speak to the physicality, and that’s tied in with the emotion and the story. So, when they do what they do, it is like nothing else. They know it from every direction, and they’ve lived it for most of their lives. So I just feel lucky that I got to be on the receiving end of that, because it’s really glorious.

Bardem: They also have this taste and this elegance that you’re either born with or you’re not, and they put that into everything they do. So, when you watch this movie, it’s so elegant. Every aspect of it is so beautifully taken care of, and it’s a joy. It has such a big heart, and it’s so beautifully done in every detail.

There’s an existing template you had to be somewhat faithful to, but you still have some input on your characters’ designs?

McCarthy: I think it’s in the recipe, but if you did have an idea, they were so open and collaborative.

Bardem: Yeah.

McCarthy: So everything was a possibility, which is a really special way to work.

***
The Little Mermaid opens in theaters May 26. This interview was edited for length and clarity.

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Source: screenrant.com/little-mermaid-ursula-spinoff-disney-villain-prequel-problem-avoid/

Little Mermaid's Ursula Spinoff Tease Avoids The Biggest Problem With Disney's Last Villain Prequel
By
Erin Johnson
Published 18 hours ago

Hints of a prospective The Little Mermaid's Ursula spinoff prequel could avoid a problem Disney had with its last villain origin prequel, Cruella.


ursula_spinoff

Rumbles of a potential The Little Mermaid Ursula spinoff, though presently just a suggestion, could actually be a better idea than Disney's last villain prequel movie. The concept of bringing Ursula back to the big screen to explain her story before the events of The Little Mermaid was made in fact by stars of the popular 2023 live-action remake. Melissa McCarthy, who plays the cunning, tentacled villain of the original animation, and Javier Bardem, whose role was of Ariel's father and ruler of the deep sea, King Triton, have pitched an Ursula spinoff movie in a handful of interviews while promoting The Little Mermaid.

The pair shared their mutual enjoyment at working with each other on set during interviews with ScreenRant and the Hollywood Reporter, at which time they also indulged in the idea of joining forces again for an Ursula spinoff. The live-action The Little Mermaid has since revealed a familial connection between Ursula and King Triton, creating intricate dynamics and unexplored facets of the original animation that McCarthy and Bardem are itching to explore. Little did they know, pitching an Ursula villain prequel could be an advantageous venture for Disney, especially given their last villain prequel attempt, Cruella.


Ursula Is A Much Better Villain Prequel Idea Than Cruella


Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil in Cruella

Despite an ambivalent reception, Cruella was not inherently a terrible idea. In truth, the origin prequel film for the 101 Dalmatians' antagonist received generally positive reviews and has already been green-lit for a sequel, Cruella 2. The 101 Dalmatians prequel movie was lauded for great visuals and costuming, and the performances of Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil and Emma Thompson as the Baroness were also well-received. All in all, Cruella scored a respectable 75% Rotten Tomatoes score with critics.

However, despite general positivity from critics, it's unclear to what extent the movie was actually a hit. Beyond the movie's campy, rebellious veneer, it lacked a decisive storyline explaining why Cruella's origin story was necessary. Similarly, the cost of Cruella, estimated somewhere between $100-$200 million, undermined its overall $233.5 million gross worldwide; divided reports of Cruella's performance mean that the film either made just enough to cover its costs or was a major disappointment for Disney. Either way, Cruella's lackluster storyline and significant expense arguably didn't justify the prequel.


How The Little Mermaid Properly Set Up An Ursula Spinoff


Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in The Little Mermaid

Ursula, on the other hand, may have a more convincing argument for a villain prequel spinoff. Aside from being endorsed by Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem, The Little Mermaid properly set up the matter of Ursula's backstory by posing and hinting at very interesting questions around her life before she gave into wickedness. Whereas Cruella's backstory was given when audiences didn't know they needed it, Ursula's has been set up to make audiences want more.

The Little Mermaid live-action remake appropriately explains Ursula's motivations against Ariel to construct her antagonism into a nuanced and complex narrative. Ursula was banished from the royal court and her family and confined to her own devices alone in a cave. This exile led to her wicked intentions against her niece Ariel, her brother King Triton, and the entire open sea. It follows that her schemes originated from some wrong done to her earlier in her history, something only a much-needed prequel spinoff could explore.

Can Disney's Ursula Movie Happen After Little Mermaid's Box Office Struggle?


Ursula over cauldron in The Little Mermaid

There is a chance for Disney to tell an absorbing story of royal politics, family dynamics, and beautiful character arcs if an Ursula-origin spinoff is approved. An Ursula prequel spinoff even has the potential to be more interesting and necessary than Cruella's villain narrative and expand The Little Mermaid franchise. However, in order for the idea to get off the ground, it would have to overcome the obstacles caused by The Little Mermaid's box office struggle.

At the time of writing, The Little Mermaid has grossed $544.6 million worldwide, a relatively poor return when compared to its $250 million budget and the billion-dollar milestones of other Disney live-actions, like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. For an Ursula prequel to be considered, Disney would need to be willing to gamble, particularly because the amount of money spent on making The Little Mermaid come to life from under the sea would have to be replicated. While McCarthy, Bardem, and flocks of fans would love to see a potential The Little Mermaid Ursula prequel, it may be hard to make the case to Disney.

Sources: Screen Rant, The Hollywood Reporter