HamiltonstarDaveed Diggsis in talks to play Sebastian the crab in Disney’s live-action remake ofThe Little Mermaid, Collider has confirmed.
Halle Baileywill star as Ariel, the mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human, whileMelissa McCarthyis set to play her evil aunt, Ursula. Elsewhere,Jacob TremblayandAwkwafinahave closed deals to play Flounder and Scuttle, respectively, while Oscar winnerJavier Bardemremains in talks to play Ariel’s father, King Triton. Finally, Deadline reports thatCameron Cuffe(Krypton) andJonah Hauer-Kingare among those who recently tested for the role of Ariel’s love interest Prince Eric, whichHarry Stylesturned down over the summer.
Many had assumed thatLin-Manuel Mirandawould voice Sebastian since he’s producing the movie, but as it turns out, the filmmakers felt that Diggs was better suited for the role, allowing Miranda to focus on his otherMermaidduties, which aren’t so “little.” He’s also writing new songs with original composerAlan Menken, though the live-action remake will from the animated classic, including Sebastian’s famous tune “Under the Sea.” The Jamaican character was voiced bySamuel E. Wrightin the original 1989 movie.
Frankly, it would have been real easy for Miranda to cast himself, or lobbied Marshall to cast him, but I like that he’s creating opportunities for others. He has become a valuable member of the team at Disney, and I bet they find him something a lot cooler thanMary Poppins Returnsto star in soon. I think he’s kind of perfect for the Star Wars universe, but then again, what do I know? Literally, with regards to that franchise!
Rob Marshallis directingThe Little Mermaidfrom a script byDavid Magee, and he’s also producing alongsideMarc Platt,John DeLucaand Miranda.
Diggs burst onto the spotlight with his breakout turn in Miranda’s hit musicalHamilton, which led toBlindspotting, an indie drama that Diggs wrote with co-starRafael Casal. He most recently appeared inDan Gilroy’s satirical horror movieVelvet Buzzsaw, and he’ll soon be seen asFrederick Douglassin Showtime’sThe Good Lord Bird. That limited series hails from directorAlbert Hughes, whojust signed onto direct the true crime thrillerNorth Hollywoodfor Stampede and AGC Studios.
Diggs, who also stars in the upcomingSnowpiercerTV series, is represented by WME and Brookside Artist Management.Varietybroke the news of his casting.
