Virtual newcomer, Jonah Hauer-King has won the coveted role of Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’.
Hauer-King steps into the role that was initially meant for Harry Styles before he decided to pass on the move.
R&B singer Halle Bailey has been cast as Ariel, whilst Javier Bardem is also on board to play the role of King Triton, the father of Ariel. Melissa McCarthy will play the role of Ariel’s evil aunt Ursula. Daveed Diggs is also on board to play Sebastian.
Mary Poppins Returns’ helmer Rob Marshall is in the director’s chair for the live-action reimagining. Disney and the production team behind it are looking to make contemporary and compelling casting choices, while still paying homage to the beloved animated original.
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The film will use some of the original songs from the 1989 animated hit as well as new ones from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is also producing the film along with Marshall, Marc Platt and John DeLuca. David Magee wrote the script.
The film tells the story of a mermaid princess named Ariel who dreams of becoming human, after falling in love with a human prince named Eric. Written and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Menken wrote the music, including the Oscar-winning “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.”
It featured the voices of Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett, and René Auberjonois.
The film made a staggering $84 million at the domestic box office during its initial release and $233 million in total lifetime gross worldwide.
Production is due to begin in early 2020.
Hauer-King previously starred in ‘A Dog’s Way Home’ and 2017 TV adaptation of ‘Little Women’.
