Everything You Need to Know About The Little Mermaid Live-Action Remake

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The Little Mermaid is one of Disney’s most beloved animated classics, telling the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human.

In 2023, Disney will release a live-action remake of the film, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey as Ariel.

Here are some important facts about The Little Mermaid live-action remake that you should know before it hits theaters.

Who is in the cast of The Little Mermaid live-action remake?

The Little Mermaid live-action remake features a diverse and talented cast of actors and singers. Here are some of the main characters and who plays them:

  • Halle Bailey as Ariel: Bailey is best known as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, who rose to fame after being discovered by Beyoncé on YouTube. She also stars in the TV series Grown-ish. Bailey was chosen by director Rob Marshall for her “rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice.”

  • Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric: Hauer-King is a British actor who has appeared in films such as A Dog’s Way Home and Little Women (2017), as well as TV shows such as World on Fire and Howards End. He beat out other contenders such as Harry Styles and Cameron Cuffe for the role of Ariel’s love interest.
  • Melissa McCarthy as Ursula: McCarthy is an Oscar-nominated actress and comedian who has starred in films such as Bridesmaids, Spy, Ghostbusters (2016), and Can You Ever Forgive Me? She will play the villainous sea witch who tricks Ariel into trading her voice for legs.
  • Javier Bardem as King Triton: Bardem is an Oscar-winning actor who has starred in films such as No Country for Old Men, Skyfall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. He will play Ariel’s father, the ruler of Atlantica.
  • Daveed Diggs as Sebastian: Diggs is a Tony-winning actor and rapper who originated the roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton. He also stars in the TV series Snowpiercer and Black-ish. He will voice Sebastian, Ariel’s loyal crab friend who sings “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”.
  • Jacob Tremblay as Flounder: Tremblay is a young actor who has starred in films such as Room, Wonder, Good Boys, and Doctor Sleep. He will voice Flounder, Ariel’s best fish friend who accompanies her on her adventures.
  • Awkwafina as Scuttle: Awkwafina is an actress and rapper who has starred in films such as Crazy Rich Asians, The Farewell, Ocean’s 8, Jumanji: The Next Level, Raya And The Last Dragon, And Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. She Will Voice Scuttle, Ariel ‘s Seagull Pal Who Gives Her Misguided Information About Human Culture.

Other cast members include Noma Dumezweni (Queen Selina), Kajsa Mohammar (Karina), Lorena Andrea (Perla), Martina Laird (Lashana), Art Malik (Sir Grimsby), Jessica Alexander (Vanessa), John Dagleish (Mulligan), Emily Coates (Rosa), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Chef Louis) [rumored], Simone Ashley (Indira).

What is the plot of The Little Mermaid live-action remake?

The plot of The Little Mermaid live-action remake will follow closely to that of the original 1989 animated film, which was based on Hans Christian Andersen ‘s fairy tale.

It will tell the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to explore the human world above.

She falls in love with Prince Eric, a human prince whom she saves from drowning.

She makes a deal with Ursula, a sea witch, to trade her voice for legs so she can be with him.

However, Ursula has ulterior motives to take over King Triton ‘s kingdom.

The film will also feature new songs written by Alan Menken, who composed the original score, along with Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also serves as producer.

When is The Little Mermaid live-action remake?

The Little Mermaid live-action remake will be released on May 26, 2023. It was originally scheduled to start filming in April 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The production resumed in January 2021 and wrapped up in July 2021.

The film was shot mostly in Pinewood Studios in London, as well as on location in Sardinia, Italy.

Are there songs in The Little Mermaid live-action remake?

Yes! The Little Mermaid live-action remake will feature all the classic songs from the original 1989 animated film, composed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman.

These include “Part of Your World”, “Under the Sea”, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”, “Kiss the Girl”, and more.

In addition, Menken collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda to write four new original songs for the film.

These include a song for Ariel when she loses her voice and becomes human, a song for Ursula’s backstory, a song for Prince Eric’s character development, and a song for Ariel’s sisters.

What is different about The Little Mermaid live-action remake?

The Little Mermaid live-action remake will stay faithful to the story and spirit of the original animated film, but will also update some aspects to make it more relevant and diverse for modern audiences.

One of the most noticeable changes is the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel, who is Black.

This decision was met with both praise and criticism from fans and critics alike.

However, Bailey received support from many people involved with The Little Mermaid franchise, such as Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel), Rob Marshall (the director), Lin-Manuel Miranda (the producer), Alan Menken (the composer), Diana Huey (the first non-white actress to play Ariel on Broadway), and even Hans Christian Andersen’s museum.

Other changes include adding more depth and backstory to some characters, such as Ursula, Prince Eric, King Triton, and Ariel’s sisters; expanding on some themes and messages of the film; incorporating more elements from Andersen’s fairy tale; updating some lyrics and dialogue to remove any racist or insensitive references; adding more humor and action; enhancing some visual effects; etc.

FAQ

  • Q: Who is directing The Little Mermaid live-action remake?
  • A: Rob Marshall, who has directed musical films such as Chicago, Into the Woods, Mary Poppins Returns, etc.
  • Q: Who is producing The Little Mermaid live-action remake?
  • A: John DeLuca, Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rob Marshall, David Magee.
  • Q: Who wrote The Little Mermaid live-action remake?
  • A: David Magee wrote the screenplay based on a story by Rob Marshall, John DeLuca, David Magee.
  • Q: Is there a trailer for The Little Mermaid live-action remake?
  • A: Yes! Disney released the first teaser trailer during Super Bowl LV on February 7th 2021. They also released two more trailers during Oscars night on March 12th 2023. You can watch them here.
  • Q: Is there a poster for The Little Mermaid live-action remake?
  • A: Yes! Disney released the first official poster on November 17th 2022. You can see it here.

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