RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite, Willam, has joined the ongoing debate surrounding Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of Ursula in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. While the film has received positive reception, McCarthy’s makeup as the iconic sea-witch has faced criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens. The discussion has ignited conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in the film industry.
The controversy stemmed from a behind-the-scenes clip that showcased McCarthy donning the Ursula makeup, which featured heavily arched eyebrows and hastily applied eyeshadow. This caused disappointment among queer Little Mermaid fans and drag enthusiasts, who felt that Ursula’s origins in drag culture were not appropriately reflected. Many drew comparisons to the legendary drag performer Divine, who served as inspiration for the original character. The consensus was that McCarthy’s appearance seemed more fitting for a drag queen with limited experience.
Adding her voice to the conversation, Willam, known for her outspoken nature, took to social media to share her scathing review of the makeup attempt. She humorously suggested that McCarthy’s brow needed a “protractor” to determine if they were related and playfully questioned why the character’s lip color wasn’t a red glitter shade. Willam concluded her critique by emphasizing the importance of hiring LGBTQIA individuals in film productions.
In response, Peter Smith King, the makeup artist behind McCarthy’s Ursula transformation, defended his work. King expressed offense at the notion that a queer makeup artist would automatically do a better job and explained that the makeup was not influenced by any specific drag acts, including Divine. Despite this, King acknowledged his shared appreciation for drag with McCarthy during their discussions.
The conversation around McCarthy’s Ursula makeup highlights the need for increased LGBTQ+ representation in the film industry. Advocates argue that by involving LGBTQ+ individuals in key creative roles, such as makeup artistry, films can better capture the authentic essence of queer culture and pay homage to its rich history.
As moviegoers enjoy The Little Mermaid in theaters, the discourse surrounding Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards inclusive and authentic representation in the world of cinema.
