Ursula, one of the most iconic Disney villains, has finally received a live-action adaptation in 2023’s The Little Mermaid, where the treacherous sea witch is portrayed by the excellent Melissa McCarthy. But does Ursula die in the Rob Marshall-directed movie, or have producers taken a different route? Let’s find it out and beware of the spoilers.
Did Ursula Die in The Little Mermaid?
Yes, Ursula dies in The Little Mermaid.
Like in the 1989’s Disney classic, Ursula meets her end at the hands of Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). However, the most significant difference is that Ariel is the one who’s responsible for her death by impaling the witch’s abdomen with a splintered bowsprit, unlike in the animated movie where it was Eric’s merit.
In The Little Mermaid, Ursula is a loner who spends all her time with her eels, jealous of the success and power of her brother, King Triton (Javier Bardem). Eventually, Ursula sees a chance to overthrow King Triton by exploiting Ariel’s desire to see the world and dupes her niece to give up her voice and mermaid form to become human to meet Eric. And while everything seemed to be working fine between Ariel and Eric, Ursula couldn’t let the pair live their happiness and love. The sea witch drops her octopus tentacles for a while and assumes human form as Vanessa (Jessica Alexander), a beautiful woman with Ariel’s voice who bewitches Eric to fall in love with her.
It’s all part of Ursula’s bigger plan to conquer Atlantica. Forced by the events, King Triton rushes to save his daughter — kidnapped by Ursula — but loses his trident. Once she acquires the powerful tool and with King Triton out of the games, Ursula sees herself as the queen of the oceans. When Ariel and Eric put on a fight and go close to defeating Ursula, the villain turns herself into a gargantuan being. With a final effort, Ariel saves the day, and Ursula dies.
