Rob Marshall’s new version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ continues to upset Disney. Not only are there racist criticisms for his casting, but now they are also ugly from the drag world. If it is known that in the original film Ursula’s character was shaped by iconic 20th century drag queens like DivineMelissa McCarthy has also confirmed this influence in her work.
The make-up artist’s defense
The actress has acknowledged in interviews that when she signed to play Ursula in the new version she thought of the Drag world.
“There is a drag queen that lives in me. I’m always on the verge of working full-time with her… Keeping the humor, the sadness and the edginess in Ursula is all I want in a character and, frankly, all I want in a drag queen.”
However, when the film hit theaters several fans and influencers have questioned in social networks why more steps weren’t taken to include the drag community in the character design process. Some claimed that makeup designer Peter Smith King’s job should have been awarded to a queer artist. But in a new interview with Insider, King made it clear that he disagrees with those criticisms.
“I find it very offensive. Why can’t I do as good a job as a queer makeup artist? That’s ridiculous. Try to claim it and that’s fine, if that’s what you want to do. But don’t put people down because they’re not what you want them to be.”
King also clarified that while he is a fan of drag culture, was not directly based on any existing artist when he designed the live action Ursula.
“We discussed everything. I mean, we both laugh about how much we love drag queens and drag makeup and stuff. We are not based on any particular Drag Act at all.”
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