The live-action adaptation of the classic has been in the works for quite some time. It also got a bit controversial with its casting announcement. If you’re looking forward to watching this movie, here’s what you need to know about the live-action remake.
The Little Mermaid Remake Release Date
Originally, The Little Mermaid was set for a release in 2021. But because of the pandemic, its production was put on hold for a short while. Then in September 2021, Disney announced that The Little Mermaid remake will be released in cinemas on May 26, 2023. Following this date, the movie will be available on Disney+ 45 days after the theatrical release. This means that you’ll be able to watch the live-action adaptation in the comfort of your own home starting July 10, 2023.
The Little Mermaid Story: Which Songs Will They Include?
One of the things that make The Little Mermaid a fan favorite is because of the songs included in the cartoon. While everyone already has an idea on what the story of The Little Mermaid will be, many can’t help but wonder if they’ll be introducing new songs in the remake. Disney has announced that Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, will be in charge of writing music for the movie. He will be closely working with Alan Menken, who was the writer for the original movie’s music. Apart from Hamilton, Miranda also wrote the music for the 2016 Disney animation, Moana.
In an interview with Vulture magazine, Miranda shared that he feels “intimidated” about this project. In February 2020, the composer revealed that he has written four new songs for The Little Mermaid remake. A couple of years after that announcement, Miranda confirmed to Variety that the new songs in the remake will replace “none of the ones you like. All of those are in. There’s no bigger Little Mermaid fan than me. We found a couple of opportunities for some other music that I can’t wait to see.”
The Little Mermaid Cast: Who’s Playing Ariel?
The role of the beloved mermaid was revealed in July 2021. Disney confirmed that they cast Halle Bailey to play the lead role in the film. The 22-year-old singer expressed her excitement on Twitter: “After auditioning for this film when I was 18 just about to turn 19, to now finishing filming through a pandemic when I turned 21. We have finally made it… I feel so grateful to have experienced this film in all of its glory.”
Apart from being an actress, Bailey is a talented singer. In fact, she makes up half of the R&B duo called Chloe x Halle. She is also considered as a protégé of Beyoncé. Despite Bailey’s repertoire, Disney’s decision to cast her as Ariel met a lot of criticism; especially regarding her skin and hair color. Many have defended this decision, including the original Ariel voice actress, Jodi Benson, who said: “I think that the spirit of a character is what really matters. What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart and their spirit is what really counts. I think the most important thing for a film is to be able to tell a story.” In an interview with Stylecaster, Bailey shared that the story in the remake has been modernized. “I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised by some updates of the themes of the film. More so on Ariel’s side of women empowerment and her taking her power back.” Apart from Bailey, the other actors that will be part of The Little Mermaid remake include the following:
Halle Bailey (as Ariel)Jonah Hauer-King (as Prince Eric)Melissa McCarthy (as Ursula)Javier Bardem (as King Triton)Daveed Diggs (as Sebastian)Awkwafina (as Scuttle)Jacob Tremblay (as Flounder)Jude Akuwudike (as Grimsby)Noma Dumezweni (as Carlotta)Lorena Andrea (as Perla)Kajsa Mohammar (as Karina)Simone AsleyJessica AlexanderRussell BaloghAdrian ChristopherEmily Coates
Another casting choice that met criticism was Disney’s pick of the actress that would play the role of Ursula, the sea witch. When it was revealed that Melissa McCarthy would be playing this role, many said that they hoped the role would go to a drag queen. McCarthy spoke to People magazine and shared that she has “such an affection for Ursula. I know she’s the villain, but I’ve just always kind of been like, ‘Oh my god,’ I mean, she’s kind of delicious to play.” One other actress who auditioned for the role of Ursula was Lizzo. She said in February 2022: “My audition wasn’t terrible. My audition was good. You can ask Disney. I don’t want to talk too much about it. The singing was great. I’ll just say that.”
Is There an Available The Little Mermaid Remake Trailer Online?
Despite being completed, this is the first time Disney released a teaser trailer for The Little Mermaid remake. The trailer features an instrumental version of Part Of Your World and a quick look at Halle Bailey as the famous mermaid. You can watch the teaser trailer here and wait for goosebumps to happen.
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