After five years of speculation, backlash, and even some pretty horrible remarks towards the selected cast, The Little Mermaid live-action has finally been released, and despite the controversy, most people have been pleasantly surprised with what Disney has come up with. One of the highlights of the film, as many have remarked, is Melissa McCarthy‘s portrayal of the iconic villain Ursula.
As one of the most beloved evil characters of the company, people were afraid the famous actress and comedian would be too funny or cute to bring this character to life, but she ate, devoured, and left no crumbs. However, there’s something that even we wondered when they cast McCarthy for the role. Why not keep Ursula’s forward origins in this movie that clearly wanted to be inclusive and represent all?
Melissa McCarthy’s Drag Queen Origins
We’re talking about how the original Ursula was inspired by none other than the iconic drag queen Divine. Let’s be honest, this inspiration makes Ursula quite a fabulous character. However, it seems that the production also thought that the drag origins of Ursula were essential for the live-action, and, surprisingly, Ms. Melissa McCarthy is no stranger to this gorgeous art.
Back in the glorious 90s, Melissa McCarthy was just an aspiring actress in New York trying to make her big hit in stand-up comedy. She was living in Hell’s Kitchen with a close friend and needed to find a job to make a living while still being true to her performing passion. Thus, came drag.
“I had a gold lamé swing coat on, a huge wig, big eyelashes. I talked about being incredibly wealthy and beautiful and living extravagantly, and the first night worked great. It was such a happy, good feeling, and it gave me such confidence.”
Melissa McCarthy’s Drag Inspiration to Play Ursula
Unfortunately, the days of Miss Y, as she named her drag alter ego, were short-lived. But her love for the art never faded. Moreover, as she’s recalled, she has loved the art of drag since she was a teenager and even recalls being sure that the animated Ursula had to be inspired by her drag icon, Divine. She was right!
While promoting The Little Mermaid, the two-times Oscar nominee revealed that she has always been a fan of Divine and that she had to take her and drag for inspiration to create this new version of Ursula: “I think it’s an unbelievable art form, and I couldn’t separate that from Ursula.”
“I just hope to do every incredible drag queen proud and Divine proud. Just to give that same attitude… to give it your all, to throw it out there, no apologies, do it your way,” McCarthy said, and we can all agree that she brought back that fabulous essence into the set as well as her own experience as a drag queen. “There’s a drag queen that lives in me. I’m always right on the verge of going full-time with her.”
Are you still doubting she was the perfect choice to play the villainous and fabulous Ursula? Because we’re a hundred percent sure she was born to be her!