Javier Bardem may be able to bring justice to the seas instead of wreaking havoc on them. Whereas Bardem played the infamous Captain Salazar in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), there is a possibility that he may play King Triton in the upcoming live action film The Little Mermaid, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Other actors that are currently in negotiations for roles in the film include Melissa McCarthy, Akwafina, Jacob Tremblay, and Harry Styles. R & B artist Halle Bailey has been confirmed for the lead role as Ariel.

Rob Marshall will be directing. Alan Menken is planning to collaborate with Lin-Manuel Miranda to create new musical compositions for the film. Choosing Bailey and Styles to be a part of the project may indicate that the music component will play a large role. Production for the film is set to occur in early 2020.

Live action films have become a recent trend for Disney. These include films such as Aladdin, Dumbo, and the upcoming Sleeping Beauty film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which will bow later this year. Disney is currently focused on the release for The Lion King, which opens this weekend.