5 Shocking Facts About Andrew Burnap And The Little Mermaid Confusion: Why He’s Not Prince Eric

The name Andrew Burnap has frequently surfaced in online discussions related to Disney’s live-action remakes, particularly in connection with The Little Mermaid, sparking widespread confusion among fans about his potential role as Prince Eric. As of December 10, 2025, the reality is that while Burnap is a major new face in the Disney cinematic universe, his connection to the underwater fantasy is a case of mistaken identity and a subtle mix-up with another highly anticipated live-action project. This article cuts through the noise to clarify Burnap's actual, groundbreaking role and delves into the impressive career that made the Tony Award-winning actor a top choice for a leading man in a major Disney production. This deep dive is essential for anyone tracking the newest generation of Hollywood talent, as Burnap's transition from the hallowed stages of Broadway to the global scale of Disney cinema is one of the most compelling career shifts in recent memory. His stage authority and dramatic depth are what truly set him apart, proving that his casting in a major franchise is anything but a conventional choice. We explore the facts behind the confusion, the details of his confirmed Disney role, and the theatrical pedigree that defines him.

Andrew Burnap: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Andrew Burnap is an acclaimed American actor known primarily for his powerful, nuanced performances on the stage, which have earned him the highest honors in American theatre. His career trajectory from an academic background in drama to winning a Tony Award speaks to his dedication and talent. Below is a detailed profile of the actor:

• Full Name: Andrew Burnap
• Born: March 5, 1991
• Nationality: American
• Hometown: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
• Education:
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Rhode Island
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Yale School of Drama
• Major Accolades:
  • Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play (2020/2021) for his role as Toby Darling in The Inheritance
  • Herschel Williams Prize from Yale School of Drama
• Notable Stage Roles: Toby Darling in The Inheritance (Broadway/West End), Arthur in Camelot (Lincoln Center), and various productions at The Public Theatre.
• Major Film Role: Jonathan in Disney’s live-action Snow White (Upcoming)

The Little Mermaid Confusion: Why Andrew Burnap is NOT Prince Eric

The most crucial clarification needed for fans searching for "Andrew Burnap The Little Mermaid" is simple: Andrew Burnap was not cast as Prince Eric in the 2023 live-action film. That role was famously played by the talented British actor, Jonah Hauer-King. The confusion is highly likely a result of two key factors—a common misattribution within the massive media cycle surrounding Disney’s contemporary remakes, and Burnap’s confirmed involvement in another, equally high-profile Disney project.

When Disney announced the casting for the live-action Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the news of Burnap’s inclusion as the male lead, Jonathan, immediately placed him in the same conversation as the stars of The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King. The sheer volume of discussion around these parallel live-action adaptations often leads to the blending of casting details in online searches and fan forums. For instance, some search results mention The Little Mermaid and Burnap's casting in the same breath, contributing to the persistent, yet inaccurate, association.

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It is worth noting that while Hauer-King’s Prince Eric was a familiar, existing character from the 1989 animated classic, Burnap’s character, Jonathan, is an entirely new creation for the Snow White remake. This distinction is vital for understanding the scope and originality of his role within the Disney universe. Jonathan is the new romantic lead, a departure from the traditional "Prince" role, showcasing Disney's continued effort to update classic narratives for a modern audience.

From Broadway’s Best to Disney’s Newcomer: The Stage Authority of Andrew Burnap

Andrew Burnap’s casting in a major Disney film is a direct testament to his immense talent and the significant "topical authority" he established through his work in the theatre. His transition is a powerful example of Broadway's elite crossing over to mainstream cinema, bringing serious dramatic chops to a global franchise.

The cornerstone of his professional reputation is his Tony Award-winning performance in the two-part epic, The Inheritance. Playing Toby Darling, a complex, emotionally raw character, Burnap delivered a performance that was universally acclaimed by critics and theatre enthusiasts. This role, which also saw him perform in London’s West End, established him as one of the most compelling and versatile actors of his generation.

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His theatrical background, which includes an MFA from the prestigious Yale School of Drama, underpins his ability to tackle challenging roles. He was awarded the Herschel Williams Prize at Yale, a clear indicator of his early promise. This foundation in classical and contemporary theatre ensures that he brings a depth of character and vocal command—essential for a musical film—that few of his peers can match.

Beyond The Inheritance, Burnap has consistently chosen roles that highlight his range, including his part as King Arthur in Aaron Sorkin's revival of Camelot. This experience is crucial; performing in a high-profile, music-heavy production like Camelot demonstrates his proficiency in the musical theatre genre, directly preparing him for the demands of a Disney musical like Snow White.

The Groundbreaking Role of Jonathan in Snow White

While the search term "Andrew Burnap The Little Mermaid" is a dead end, the role he is playing—Jonathan in Snow White—is arguably more interesting from a creative standpoint. Jonathan is not the traditional Prince Charming, but a new figure designed to modernize the narrative. His character represents Disney's ongoing commitment to revising classic fairy tales to resonate with contemporary social values and storytelling expectations.

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Casting a stage-proven, Tony-winning actor like Burnap in this newly created role signals that Jonathan will be a deeply explored, multi-layered character, not just a romantic prop. His chemistry with Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, is expected to be a major focus of the film. Furthermore, Burnap has been noted in the press as a sexually-fluid actor, and his casting is a quiet but significant step toward greater representation in major studio films.

This role offers Burnap the chance to introduce his immense talent to a global audience, moving beyond the niche, albeit highly respected, world of Broadway. Fans searching for his Disney work will find that the real story is not about Prince Eric, but about the creation of a new, compelling leading man for a new generation of Disney storytelling.

In conclusion, the association between Andrew Burnap and The Little Mermaid is a fascinating digital echo, an online mix-up resulting from the simultaneous release of major Disney live-action projects. The true story lies in his formidable stage career, his Tony Award win for The Inheritance, and his exciting, original role as Jonathan in the upcoming live-action Snow White. He is one of the most exciting performers to watch as he makes the leap from the Great White Way to the silver screen, proving that the brightest talents in theatre are now shaping the future of blockbuster cinema.