ABC Announces 'The Little Mermaid' Live Event Starring Auli'i Cravalho, Queen Latifah and Shaggy

Auli’i Cravalhojust became a double Disney princess.

The actress, who voiced Moana in the hit 2016 movie of the same name, has been cast as Ariel in a live concert production ofThe Little Mermaidset to air on ABC, the network announced Monday.Queen Latifahhas been cast as Ursula, and Shaggy as Sebastian, with additional cast announcements to be made at a later date.

“This never-before-seen hybrid format will feature beautifully intricate sets and costumes, with music from the original animated film and the Tony Award-winning Broadway stage version,” the press release continues.

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The news comes as Disney is gearing up for production of alive-action feature adaptationof the 1989 animated film, starringHalle Bailey as Ariel. Production is anticipated to begin in early 2020.

According toThe Hollywood Reporter,Harry Stylesis in talks to playAriel’s love interest, Prince Eric. Also rumored to costar areAwkwafinaas Scuttle,Jacob Tremblayas Flounder,Melissa McCarthyas Ursula andJavier Bardemas King Triton.

The live event, which will combine live-action, animation and puppetry, is “unlike anything that any network has done before in terms of live-action musical,” Burke said, adding that the vision is “kind of mind-blowing.”

The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!will air Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ET, live on ABC.

source: people.com