Category: Entertainment | Title: Cast of The Little Mermaid 2023 Film Ursula | Tag: cast | Meta Description: Facts about the cast of the 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid, focusing on the actress who played Ursula and her role in the film...
Who Played Ursula in The Little Mermaid 2023
The role of Ursula in the 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid was played by Melissa McCarthy. McCarthy, a comedian and actress known for films such as Bridesmaids and Spy, was announced as the performer for the sea witch character. The casting was confirmed by Disney and covered by major entertainment outlets including Forbes, which reported on the film's ensemble choices and production timeline read more.
McCarthy's portrayal of Ursula focused on the character's theatrical presence and vocal performance in the live-action adaptation. Disney used a combination of on-set performance and post-production visual effects to integrate McCarthy into scenes with CGI sea creatures and underwater environments. The film was released in May 2023 and became one of the highest-grossing live-action Disney remakes, with box office tracking reported by sources such as The Numbers and Box Office Mojo box office data.
Melissa McCarthy's Preparation for the Role of Ursula
McCarthy worked with director Rob Marshall and the costume and makeup teams to develop Ursula's look, which included prosthetics, wigs, and a distinctive silhouette. The production used advanced makeup techniques and digital augmentation to create the character's signature appearance, blending practical effects with CGI. Disney's visual effects team, led by companies such as Industrial Light Magic, handled the underwater sequences and creature design ILM work.
In interviews, McCarthy discussed the physical demands of the role, including the time required for makeup and the coordination needed for scenes involving water and motion capture elements. The film's production took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom, with additional location shooting for underwater and coastal scenes. Disney reported that the production aimed to stay faithful to the animated original while adapting the story for a live-action format Disney official site.
Ursula's Role and Screen Time in The Little Mermaid 2023
Ursula appears as a key antagonist in the 2023 film, driving the plot around Ariel's deal and the conflict between humans and merfolk. McCarthy's performance emphasized the character's charisma and manipulation, with dialogue and musical numbers adapted from the 1989 animated version. The screenplay, written by David Magee, expanded certain elements of the original story while keeping Ursula's central role in the narrative.
Box office and audience reception data showed that the film performed strongly in its opening weekends, with Ursula's scenes among the most discussed elements on social media and review platforms. Disney's marketing materials highlighted McCarthy's casting as a major draw, and the character's design and performance were covered in industry reports and film reviews. The film's global box office total placed it among the top live-action Disney adaptations, with detailed figures tracked by entertainment data providers The Numbers.