Daveed Diggs is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to join the line-up of Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Hamilton actor is the studio’s top choice for the role of Sebastian – the crab who is King Triton’s advisor – and will perform the iconic song Under the Sea, which appeared in the 1989 animated original. The role was previously voiced by Samuel E. Wright.
Producers are currently casting for the flick, which begins production next year (2020), with singer/actress Halle Bailey confirmed to play the eponymous Ariel in the film.
Elsewhere, Javier Bardem is apparently in talks to portray as Triton, and Melissa McCarthy has long been rumoured to star as villainess Ursula. Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay are also reportedly set to appear.
Diggs originated the parts of Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette in the original production of Hamilton, winning both a Grammy Award and a Tony Award for his performance.
He has also appeared in films such as Wonder and Velvet Buzzsaw.
