It's Official: Awkwafina Will Star In the Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid'

For the October 2019 issue of Marie Claire—which happens to be our 25th anniversary issue, a milestone we're celebrating by honoring 25 women who are changing the future (opens in new tab)—Allison Glock interviewed Awkwafina (opens in new tab). The icon, who most recently starred in the critically acclaimed The Farewell, has several projects on the horizon, including the forthcoming live action The Little Mermaid. The comedian is set to play Scuttle the seagull. Ariel will be played by Halle Bailey, and it's rumored that Jacob Tremblay will play Ariel's sidekick, Flounder.

In her piece, which you can read here (opens in new tab), Glock outlined what Awkwafina had in store for us. November 1, you can expect the fantasy drama Paradise Hills, and December 20 will bring us Jumanji: The Next Level. But that's not all!

Now, Awkwafina’s options appear limitless. She’s already seduced critics as the emotionally riven lead in The Farewell, a profound family drama about grief, connection, and the burdens we carry. She stars in November’s thriller Paradise Hills and December’s Jumanji: The Next Level opposite Dwayne Johnson, and she’s set for roles in the screen version of Broadway’s The Prom, with Meryl Streep, and the live-action Little Mermaid. Also on Awkwafina’s overflowing plate is her as-yet-untitled Comedy Central series loosely based on her upbringing in Queens.

Awkwafina had previously been cagey about her much-rumored role in The Little Mermaid reboot. In late August, she told  (opens in new tab)ET:  (opens in new tab)"Aww man, that all isn't confirmed yet, but obviously if it happens, I would be more than honored...It's a classic, yeah. I'm very, very happy. That's my princess right there, so I'm very happy with what they have [announced] so far."

Rumored to be joining Awkwafina and Bailey, along with Tremblay, is Melissa McCarthy, who is reportedly playing Ursula. (opens in new tab) Lin-Manuel Miranda is also lending a hand to the soundtrack, which will feature both old and new songs from the movie's original composer Alan Menken, and Javier Bardem may be in as King Triton. No word yet on who will play Prince Eric, although Harry Styles confirmed that, sadly, it would not be him. (opens in new tab)

Anyone else counting down the days 'til this movie premiers?

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