Why’s the internet so upset at Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid'?

Melissa McCarthy is in talks to star as the villainous Ursula in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

The Oscar-nominated actress is yet to officially sign on the dotted line for the musical, according to Variety. It is being directed by Mary Poppins Returns and Chicago’s Rob Marshall and will combine both original songs from the 1989 classic and new tracks from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

However, while some were quick to praise the prospect of McCarthy taking on the iconic role, just as many online folks reacted furiously to the news, as they insisted that either singers Ginger Minj or Lizzo should have be given it instead.

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Actress Cynthia Erivo was particularly unimpressed with Disney’s decision, as she tweeted out a number of other acting options who would have helped to diversify and update The Little Mermaid for a modern audience.

Lizzo was clearly upset to have missed out, though. Not only did she respond to the breaking news of McCarthy’s casting with this simple tweet ...

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She then re-posted this incredible video of her performing Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid to prove just how perfect she could have been.

Minj didn’t take long to show her disappointment, too.

While the potential casting of McCarthy stole the headlines for a number of reasons, there were also rumours that Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean 8’s Awkwafina and Room’s Jacob Tremblay will star as Scuttle and Flounder, respectively, in The Little Mermaid, too.

But the big question now is, can Melissa McCarthy even sing?