Ursula, emblematic character of “The Little Mermaid”, is one of the most famous villains of the Disney universe. She is also inspired by a drag queen! Explanations.
In the new live-action reinterpretation of The Little Mermaid by Rob Marshall, Melissa McCarthy plays Ursula, the terrifying Sea Witch. This character, popularized by the original 1989 film, is one of Disney Studios’ most iconic antagonists.
In the animated version, the villainess is inspired by a famous drag queen, Divine. This performer, who marked the American underground scene, is particularly known in the world of cinema for her collaborations with the subversive filmmaker John Waters. In total, they shoot six films and three shorts together.
To recognize the inspiration, it’s very simple: Ursula’s face is almost modeled on Divine’s, from the hair to the makeup. When Melissa McCarthy is hired for the film, Disney becomes the target of several criticisms. Many criticize the studio for not casting a real drag queen for the role.
Disney/DR Ursula and Divine.
However, few people know that Melissa McCarthy started her career in New York as a drag queen when she was in her twenties. On stage, she answered to the name of Miss Y. Dressed in a large golden coat, a wig and long eyelashes, she performed stand-up shows.
“I only hope I could make all the amazing drag queens and Divine proud”, let the actress know at the film’s premiere. On social networks, the Disney studio shared a video of the makeup preparation for the character of Ursula:
The Little Mermaid, currently in theaters.