It looks like Disney is doubling down on its live-action adaptations of their 1989 animated movieThe Little Mermaid.The studio already has a live-action feature-length film remake in the works withBlack-ishstarHalle Baileyset to play the titular sea creature who is granted the ability to live as a human by a nefarious sea witch to be with a man she’s fallen in love with.
Now, according toVariety, ABC will also put together aLittle Mermaidlive TV musical. A handful of casting announcements were made to help build up some excitement among prospective viewers.MoanastarAuli’i Cravalhowill play Ariel, the titular mermaid. Additionally,Queen Latifahwill play Ursula, the sea witch who gives Ariel her legs and time to walk on land so she can woo Prince Eric. Finally, in a seriously surprising bit of casting news,Shaggy(of “It Wasn’t Me” fame) will play Sebastian, Ariel’s friend who happens to be a crab. In the movie, Sebastian has the honor of singing “Kiss the Girl” and I can only imagine how epic that song will sound as sung by Shaggy.
Variety also reports theLittle Mermaidlive TV musical will feature songs from both the animated film and the Broadway musical, all originally composed byAlan Menken. Additionally,Howard Ashman’s dialogue from the film will be featured andGlenn Slater, the lyricist for the Broadway show, will contribute. This live TV musical will be directed byHamish Hamiltonand produced byKaty Mullan,David Jammy,Raj Kapoor, andIan Stewart.
This may be ABC’s first time scheduling a live TV musical for its viewers but it’s just the latest network to do so. Previous live TV musical efforts date back to theCarrie Underwood-led live TV performance ofThe Sound of Music, with subsequent live TV musicals includingGrease,Hairspray,Jesus Christ Superstar, andRent.
ABC’sThe Little Mermaidlive TV musical will air on November 5 at 8/7c. It’s worth noting the musical’s air datehappens just one weekbefore the launch of the Disney+ streaming service, so expect plenty of promotion during the broadcast.
