Who played Vanessa, Ursula’s human disguise, in Disney’s 2023 film The Little Mermaid?

Jessica Alexander played Vanessa, Ursula’s human disguise, in Disney’s 2023 film The Little Mermaid.

Vanessa is the human form Ursula uses after stealing Ariel’s voice. She attempts to charm Prince Eric and prevent him from discovering that Ariel is the mysterious woman he loves. Alexander’s performance appears during the story’s final deception, when Ursula uses Ariel’s voice to strengthen the disguise.

The character comes from the 1989 animated film, where Ursula similarly transforms into a beautiful human woman. In both versions, the disguise is a crucial part of the sea witch’s plan to exploit Ariel’s contract and claim power over Triton.

Melissa McCarthy plays Ursula in the 2023 adaptation, while Alexander plays Vanessa. This distinction matters because Vanessa is not a separate villain: she is Ursula in magically altered human form.