Following the success of Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin, the studio is busy getting to work rounding out the cast of its upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid.
According to THR, Disney is currently in talks with Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina to join the film.
If the talks go smoothly, Tremblay will play Flounder, Ariel’s best fish friend, while Awkwafina would play Scuttle, Ariel’s seagull pal. Flounder was voiced by Jason Marin in the original 1989 animated film, while Scuttle was voiced by Buddy Hackett.
12-year-old Tremblay is best known for his roles in films like Wonder, The Predator, The Book Of Henry and Room, as well as the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep.
Awkwafina, who divides her time between rapping and acting, is known for starring in the likes of Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8 and Dude, and is set to make an appearance in Jake Kasdan’s Jumanji: The Next Level.
Disney’s original animated version of The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel, a red-headed mermaid who wishes to be human after falling in love with Prince Eric. She makes a deal with Ursula the sea witch, and trades her voice for legs so that she can live on the shore. The film is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
The live-action remake, which doesn’t yet have a release date, is being directed by Chicago and Mary Poppins Returns helmer Rob Marshall from a script by Jane Goldman and David Magee. The only other actor currently attached is Melissa McCarthey, who is in talks to play Ursula.
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