Javier Bardem Explains Why He Decided to Play King Triton in 'The Little Mermaid' Movie

Javier Bardem is opening up about his role as King Triton in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

The 52-year-old Oscar-winning actor explained why he decided to sign on for the role, which required him to work on his singing voice.

Click inside to find out what he said…

Javier appeared on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show this week and was asked, “Do you do any singing in The Little Mermaid? Did you already have some singing for that?”

He responded, “Yes I do. And that was very important for me to take the next step. Rob Marshall, who I adore and admire and I love him. He’s a great artist, but most importantly he’s a great human being. I was so much looking forward to working with him. And when we finally meet in The Little Mermaid, he was the very first one who really gave me the chance and trust in me to sing a song. So when the Ricardos offer came, I was already warming up for that and I felt more secure about it. But it’s all about Rob Marshall, a first chance of really helping me to sing a song.”

Javier explained that he did the movie for his kids.

“When I was offered the movie, I was on a breakfast with my two kids and then I said, ‘Well, they are talking about being in The Little Mermaid,’ and my daughter got so emotional and I said, ‘But I’m not playing Ariel. I’m not playing Ariel.’ [She said,] ‘Of course not Dad. You will be Triton, right?’ I said, ‘Yes,’” he recalled.

Javier continued, “And that was one of the reasons what I did The Little Mermaid. But I wanted to work with Rob so much. And also I did a musical comedy now called Lyle Lyle Crocodile. Believe it or not, I don’t know what happened with the music now. I’m shifting my career now as a musical actor. I don’t know what’s going on. [laugh] it’s crazy.”

Javier‘s wife Penelope Cruz recently explained why their children are not allowed to have social media.