The Little Mermaid: Noma Dumezweni joins the cast in a newly created role

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It's been announced that The Undoing's Noma Dumezweni is going under the sea for Disney's live-action version of The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid will be directed by Rob Marshall from a script penned by David Magee. Halle Bailey will star in the role of Ariel, a mermaid princess who makes a Faustian bargain with the evil sea witch Ursula for the chance to walk upon the surface while in search of true love. Joining Bailey for the live-action update are previously-named cast members Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton. As for Dumezweni, her character's name is unknown at this time, though we do know that hers will be a brand new role.

Much like Guy Ritchie's live-action take on Aladdin, The Little Mermaid will feature original songs from the 1989 animated classic, in addition to new ocean floor bangers from original composer Alan Menken with lyrics by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Oh man, if you thought songs like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea" were earworms, just wait until you hear Menken and Miranda's new jams.

Disney has yet to give The Little Mermaid an official release date, but we'll be sure to let you know as that information bubbles to the surface.