Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula in the live-action Little Mermaid movie

In the past few years, there have been so many animated Disney movies remade in live action films.

From Beauty and the Beast to The Jungle Book, Cinderella to Aladdin - basically, it has  been a dream for fans of the Walt Disney Studios' classics. And there's a whole slate of live-action remakes coming up, too. But one of the ones we're most excited for is The Little Mermaid - and even moreso, based off the last bit of casting news. According to Variety, Melissa McCarthy is in talks to join the cast as the sea witch, Ursula. Sources told the publication that the deal is *not yet completed*, and that the Bridesmaids actress is in early talks to help some poor unfortunate souls. Disney are said to be keen to make it contemporary and compelling with its casting choices - but, of course, they want to make sure they stay true to the original. The director of Mary Poppins Returns, Rob Marshall, is set to helm the picture. The film will reportedly feature a mix of songs from the original animated tale as well as some new ones - with Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda and songwriter Alan Menken working together. There has been no word yet on when the movie will become part of our world, but we're definitely excited. Meanwhile, the next live action Disney remakes to hit cinemas screens is The Lion King. Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The Lion King is out in Irish cinemas on July 19.