Disney is rumored to be eying Lady Gaga for the part of Ursula in the upcoming live-action movie of The Little Mermaid, according to a report from The Disinsider. While the report has not been confirmed, it has many Twitter users upset to say the least.
The Little Mermaid is an animated classic that debuted in 1989, centering a rebellious, teenage mermaid named Ariel, who wishes to live life on land. After making a deal with an evil sea witch named Ursula, she gets her wish. The price she will pay however, is the loss of her beautiful voice.
According to reports, Disney has been working on a live-action film of The Little Mermaid for the past two years with very little success on casting. While Gaga has been praised for her recent acting role in A Star Is Born, some feel that she is not a good fit due to various factors. Some believe Ursula is meant to be played by a black woman, while others are focusing on Ursula’s characteristically plus-size figure.
Additionally, people suggested that the actress cast in the role should be from the LGBTQ+ community. Suggestions for the role have included: Monique, Queen Latifah, and Orange is the New Black’s Danielle Brooks.
For the record, it was rumored back in Aug. 2018 that Zendaya had been cast to play Ariel in the live-action. The actress later released a statement, saying that she had not been contacted for the gig. So, this could all just be a a silly misunderstanding. Nevertheless, check out the Twitter reactions below.
TS Madison out of the country?
Did Danielle Brooks pass away?
Was Monique kidnapped?
Is Jill Scott Busy?Ursula is a BLACK WOMAN. https://t.co/sECaDUpSDP
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) October 11, 2018
If Ursula is not a fat drag queen, then I DON'T WANT IT. https://t.co/Oglek2gL4r
— kaylee; (@solarisalien) October 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/Artists_Ali/status/1050125707169415169
Hello, Queen Latifah was meant to play Ursula. Mama from 'Chicago' is Ursula of she had left Eric. pic.twitter.com/ksJrUkes1P
— Black Women's Lives Matter. Carolyn Hinds (@CarrieCnh12) October 10, 2018
I love Gaga, and also, Ursula needs to be played by the baddest fat person that Disney can find. We will accept nothing less. https://t.co/aP2DITnKR0
— Evette Dionne (@freeblackgirl) October 11, 2018
If a thin woman plays Ursula I am rioting
— Yesika Salgado (@YesikaStarr) October 11, 2018
They better mean she'd be playing one of Ursula's eels because either making Ursula thin or having Lady Gaga wear a fat suit are both horribly fatphobic options https://t.co/rCGIKp0rtH
— Elle M. (they/them) (@ellle_em) October 10, 2018
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