Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of Ursula in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid has sparked mixed reactions, particularly regarding her makeup.
Following the release of a behind-the-scenes video showcasing McCarthy’s transformation into the iconic character, fans took to social media to express their confusion and disappointment with her makeup choices.
The criticism predominantly came from drag performers and artists who felt that McCarthy’s makeup team did not accurately capture the essence of Ursula. They pointed out flaws such as inadequately blended green eye shadow and unevenly drawn eyebrows. Considering that Ursula draws inspiration from the late drag queen Divine, fans had hoped for a closer resemblance to that aesthetic, particularly in terms of makeup.
Some fans questioned why a professional drag queen wasn’t chosen for the role, expressing their disappointment in the execution. Others specifically mentioned their letdown upon noticing the eyebrow styling.
The reaction to McCarthy’s Ursula makeup highlights the significance of capturing the essence and authenticity of iconic characters, particularly when they draw inspiration from specific subcultures like drag.
I was so excited until I saw the brow 😭😭😭 https://t.co/6KyWgxPZ7m pic.twitter.com/su0Ke0kBWI
— ˗ˏˋ b ˎˊ˗ (@castielfolklore) May 18, 2023
“there is absolutely no way they’re being serious with these brows—,” a third tweeted.
there is absolutely no way they’re being serious with these brows— pic.twitter.com/467mq6DZIw
— Seddera Side (@sedderaside) May 17, 2023
“Those eyebrows aren’t twins or even sisters. They’re the children of married first cousins,” another quipped.
Those eyebrows aren’t twins or even sisters. They’re the children of married first cousins. https://t.co/0P5TeOVdcQ pic.twitter.com/G5VPOngLEo
— Kiki Ball-Change (@kikiballchange) May 17, 2023
“How could they get this makeup SO WRONG?!” another wrote.
How could they get this makeup SO WRONG?! https://t.co/YqWaEXcbwu
— Lushious Massacr (@LushiousMassacr) May 17, 2023
“Is this real? The lace! Divine is cackling in her grave,” someone else shared.
Is this real? The lace!
Divine is cackling in her grave https://t.co/dGyIgigfj3
— Crystal | Black Lives Matter (@crystalwillseeu) May 17, 2023