Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid continues to search for its cast ahead of filming later this year, with Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina and Room’s Jacob Tremblay both in talks to join the project.
If negotiations pan out, Awkwafina will portray Scuttle, the eccentric seagull friend of mermaid Ariel, while Tremblay would portray Flounder, Ariel’s tropical fish best friend, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter.
It is currently unknown if the pair will physically be in the film, or if both will voice computer-generated versions of the characters à la The Jungle Book.
Rob Marshall, director of Into the Woods, Mary Poppins Returns and Chicago, is behind the film, which has become the latest in a run of live action remakes of Disney classics.
Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin, released in May, has so far grossed $800 million worldwide. Live-action, or “photo-realistic” remakes of Disney hits including The Lion King and Mulan are currently in the pipeline.
The latest casting news arrives after Melissa McCarthy was confirmed last week to be in talks to play villainous sea witch Ursula.
The role of Ariel, which has been linked to actresses including Zendaya and Chloe Moretz, has yet to be officially cast.
