Melissa McCarthy plays Ursula in Disney's 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid , directed by Rob Marshall.

She's the iconic sea witch and main antagonist, known for her scheming deals and octopus-like flair, just like Pat Carroll's unforgettable animated version from 1989.

Casting Scoop

Melissa McCarthy was announced for the role in 2019 and confirmed it herself in 2020 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show , calling it a "wildly creative" dream gig. She filmed her scenes in 2021, bringing her bold comedic energy to Ursula's villainous charm—think glamorous makeup, tentacles, and that signature "Poor Unfortunate Souls" vibe. Halle Bailey stars as Ariel opposite her, with the film hitting theaters in May 2023 after a wave of trailers showcasing McCarthy's Ursula putting spells on the mermaid princess.

Fans raved about her larger-than-life portrayal, drawing from drag queen Divine's influence on the original design, while staying true to Ursula's theatrical, con-artist roots envisioned by voice actress Pat Carroll.

Ursula's Legacy

  • Original 1989 Role : Voiced by Pat Carroll as a banished sea witch plotting to overthrow King Triton (Javier Bardem in live-action), Ursula transforms into Vanessa to sabotage Ariel's romance.
  • Live-Action Twist : McCarthy amps up the flamboyance; Jessica Alexander plays her human alter ego Vanessa, cast intentionally as a fresh face to contrast the star power.
  • Cultural Impact : Ursula's inspired forum debates—like Reddit rants defending her as a savvy businesswoman wronged by Triton—and even shows up in Once Upon a Time as a multi-layered antihero.

Recent Buzz (as of Feb 2026)

While the 2023 remake remains the "new" benchmark, whispers of The Little Mermaid 2: Tides of Fate trailers hint at Ursula echoes in sequels or spin- offs, with fans speculating on family ties like sisters Morgana or daughter Uma from expanded lore. No official recast yet, but McCarthy's Ursula trailer teases from 2025 previews keep her reigning as the tentacled queen. Forum chatter mixes nostalgia with "who's next?" hype, trending alongside viral edits of her scenes.

"Life's full of tough choices... innit?" – Ursula's spellbinding line from the latest preview.

TL;DR : Melissa McCarthy is Ursula in the 2023 live-action Little Mermaid —the definitive "new" version that's still sparking trends.

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