Earlier this month we revealed that Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid had added visual effects supervisor Tim Burk (Fantastic Beasts) to oversee the VFX on this world under the sea. Now, we have a production update for you.

We have learned that production on the film is slated to begin next April, with the studio looking to wrap sometime in August. However, voice work on the film could begin as early as January 2020. As of now, the studio is currently looking at locations to film the project including the Cayman Islands, South Africa, as well as Maro, La Cala, Torre del Mar, Almayate, Chilches, Benajarafe, and Torrox.

Another interesting tidbit on the project we were able to dig up is that Scuttle will not be a seagull as he appeared in the animated classic, instead Scuttle will be a diving bird so he can be in the underwater scenes.

There has been speculation that the role of Ariel in the remake was offered to Zendaya. When asked about the rumor during the Smallfoot press tour the actress simply stated: “we will see.” Lin-Manuel Mirada, who is set to team up with Alan Menken on the music for the film took to social media tease the project by simply putting a mermaid emoji, coincidently the mermaids skin color used was of color.

Another unconfirmed rumor was that music superstar Lady Gaga is high on Disney’s wish list for a role in the film. Most likely the role of Ursula.

As of right now, there is no release date for the film. We expect to hear more news on this project at Disney’s bi-annual D23 Expo this August.

Source: HNENTERTAINMENT