Disney is still a ways away from
kicking up their planned live-action adaptation of their “inaugural” Disney
Renaissance-period animated masterpiece “The Little Mermaid,” but that only
means they still have time to fill out their main cast, which has already
suffered a major offer turn-down for the male lead, and from a promising
prospect to boot. At the moment, roles have been filled for main character
Ariel, her antagonist Ursula, her fish companion Flounder and kooky “surface
advisor” Scuttle. But the spots are still empty for the likes Prince Eric and
Sebastian. At least the latter part now has a star in negotiations to play.
According to Entertainment Tonight, singer-actor-rapper Daveed Diggs has entered
talks to portray Sebastian, the red crab royal musician in the court of King
Triton of Atlantica for the live-action “Little Mermaid” remake from Disney.
The prospect of bringing Diggs into production is resonant for several factors,
both in terms of his experience, who he might be able to work with, and
similarities to the casting for the “Little Mermaid Live!” musical special
adaptation in “The Wonderful World of Disney” on ABC next month. In a number of
ways, he is perfect to play the part.
For starters, Diggs already has
quite the extensive experience in musical theatre, which would make him a good
fit for “The Little Mermaid.” After all, Sebastian gets the plum musical number
“Under the Sea” to sing. Among his stage credits is the dual role of Marquis de
Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton.”
If Diggs is cast for the film he will get to work with Miranda again, as he is
collaborating on the remake with original composer Alan Menken. Lastly, the
singer-rapper as Sebastian will parallel the “Live!” casting on ABC of Jamaican
musician Shaggy.
There are still some blanks on
the cast of characters for Disney’s in-the-flesh revision of “The Little
Mermaid,” but the confirmed names have already done much to generate attention.
Daveed Diggs now stands a chance of joining R&B singer Halle Bailey as
Ariel, comedienne Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, rapper Awkwafina as Scuttle
(turned female from the 1989 original) and Jacob Tremblay as Flounder. The
casting of Ariel’s one true love Prince Eric has proven a troublesome task
after popular front runner Harry Styles of One Direction fame said no. Possible
alternatives include Asher Angel (“Shazam!”) and Christian Navarro (“13 Reasons
Why”). The movie begins filming summer next year for a yet-to-be-finalized
release date in future.
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