For Melissa McCarthy, one of the greatest satisfactions of playing the evil Ursula in the upcoming live action of The little Mermaid was to pay homage to the figure of the drag queens.
In itself, it is well known that the original character in the 1989 animated film was inspired by Divine, LGBTQ icon and unforgettable drag queen from the film. Pink Flamingos by John Waters. But since McCarthy herself proudly boasts a deep interest in the world of drag, it was obvious that by taking on the role of Ursula, the actress would seek to bring out all of those quirky traits.
In a recent interview with ewMelissa McCarthy confirmed that her Ursula is “one hundred percent” based on Divine and other drag queens.
“Keeping Ursula’s humor, sadness and aggressiveness is all I want in a character and, frankly, all I want in a drag queen,” he told the outlet.
Before beginning her career in comedy and acting, the Oscar nominee for Ladies in war she toured clubs in Manhattan impersonating a drag queen named Miss Y. On the other hand, it was at a very early age that her fanaticism towards those colorful and extravagant costumes and shows arose.
“I’m a huge fan of drag shows and all of their art and entertainment,” McCarthy noted. “I’ve been going to those shows since times when I wasn’t supposed to see them. There is a drag queen that lives in me. I’m always on the verge of dedicating myself to it full-time.”
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Years ago, during her time as a nanny in New York, Melissa McCarthy had the opportunity to see The little Mermaid on multiple occasions because that was what the girls she cared for did. And from the first moment it seemed very evident to him that Úrsula was winking at Divine and Pink Flamingos.
Her love for that antagonist eventually led her to insist on director Rob Marshall to allow her to embody her in the version. live action; no matter the great challenge it would imply for her, in particular, because of her musical sequences.
“I’m not known as a singer, but I’ve always been so strangely in love with Úrsula that I thought I could try and lose,” she shared with ew. “But if I didn’t at least try, I would have regretted it forever.”
The little Mermaidstarring Halle Bailey, will arrive in Mexican theaters on May 25, 2023.
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.