Sad news for The Little Mermaid hopeful Lindsay Lohan: Rumors are circulating that Zendaya has reportedly been offered the role of Ariel in Disney's upcoming live-action version of the 1989 animated classic.
The Hashtag Show was the first to report this week that a source close to Walt Disney Studios had divulged Zendaya was given the option to step into Ariel's clamshell bra and green scaly tail. But it's unclear whether the Spider-Man: Homecoming star actually wants to be part of their world, since Zendaya's reps have declined to comment on the speculation.
Regardless of who plays the titular rebellious mermaid, the film is slated to be directed by Mary Poppins Returns's Rob Marshall, with music by Hamilton's master lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and Disney heavy-hitter Alan Menken. As for potential castmates if Zendaya were to play Ariel, Elle speculated that, because the Disney alum is a woman of color, the role of Ariel's father, King Triton, as well as those of her sisters and undersea pals, would likely be played by actors of color, for a more-inclusive adaptation all around.
If you're scratching your head wondering, "Wasn't Chloë Grace Moretz supposed to play Ariel?" there are actually three different Little Mermaid adaptations currently in the works. Disney is doing its own — potentially with Zendaya — while Chloë was slated to appear in Universal's picture, though she dropped out back in 2016 due to a jam-packed schedule. Additionally, an indie adaptation of the classic tale was just released earlier this month. So many adaptations, so little time!
Disney has recently been on a mission to update many of its animated classics with live adaptations, including Dumbo, The Lion King, Aladdin, and more. And just last week, the House of Mouse announced that it had found its Mulan for that film's IRL adaptation. Clearly, your movie-theater plans are set for the next few years.
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: The Little Mermaid Live-Action Movie Needs an Ariel, So We Dream Cast 13 Actresses
