IsJavier Bardemtaking over the kingdom under the sea?
A rep for Bardem did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Bardem would be joining singer and actress Halle Bailey who was cast as Ariel earlier this month. This would be a departure for the Oscar-winning actor, who has recently starred in 2017’sLoving Pabloopposite his wife, Oscar winnerPenélope Cruz,mother!withJennifer LawrenceandPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
The actor has been nominated for an Academy Award three times, winning in 2008 for Best Supporting Actor for his performance inNo Country for Old Men.
THRrecently reportedHarry Styles was in talks to play Ariel’s love interest, Prince Eric. Also in talks to costar areAwkwafinaas Scuttle,Jacob Tremblayas Flounder andMelissa McCarthyas the fearsome sea witch Ursula.
Oscar Gonzalez/Getty Images, Courtesy Everette Collection
Production forThe Little Mermaidis anticipated to begin in early 2020.
Mary Poppins Returnsdirector Rob Marshall is helming the film, which will feature songs from the original 1989 animated film, as well as new songs from Alan Menken and co-producerLin-Manuel Miranda.
Javier Bardem at the 91st Academy Awards.
Disney has been bringing back its beloved animated classics and adapting them into live-action films, such as the recentAladdin,Dumbo, The Jungle BookandCinderella.
The studio is also releasingThe Lion King, which starsJames Earl Jones,Donald Glover,Beyoncé,Seth Rogen,Billy Eichnerand Alfre Woodard.
The Lion Kingroars into theaters July 19.
source: people.com
