Disney's live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid' arrives soon. Here's what to know. (2024)

Marco della CavaUSA TODAY

Aquatic special effectsallowmost any underseamovie fantasy to become a live-action filmreality –we're looking at you,"Avatar: The Way of Water" and"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

So it’s perhaps nosurprise the House of Mouse has turned its 1989 animated classic"The Little Mermaid"into a highly anticipated live-action movie starring a Black actress as the title character.

The new versionfeatures Halle Baileyas the mermaid Ariel alongside a familiar cast of current stars. The first full-length trailer suggests fans can expect a faithful overlap from the original movie, including scenes featuring the shipwreck that nearly drownsPrince Eric,the sea witch Ursula inviting Ariel to trade her voice for human legs, and Ariel singing "Part of Your World."

Based loosely on the 19th-centuryfairy tale of the same name, Disney’s animated movieaboutrequited love between a mermaid and a handsome prince featured the voices of Jodi Benson as Ariel, Christopher Daniel Barnes as Prince Ericand Pat Carroll as Ursula.

Here's what "Little Mermaid" fans need to know about the upcoming movie.

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When does the new 'Little Mermaid' come out?

"The Little Mermaid" arrives in theaters May 26, and you can expect the film to migrate to Disney+ at some point. "Little Mermaid" superfans do have the chance to see the film two days ahead of its debut: Many theaters are offering early screenings and fan events, so check local listings. For example, the fabled El Capitan theater in Hollywood is offering tickets to a May 24 screening, and AMC Theaters are doing the same in select cities.

Who is in the cast of 'The Little Mermaid'?

The cast of the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" is anchored by Bailey, an actress and singer best known as half of the Grammy-nominated sisterduoChloe xHalle and for TV's "Grown-ish."

This year's Oscars telecast featured Bailey unveiling the film'strailer. "It has been such an honor to step into the iconic role of Ariel," she told the Dolby Theatre crowd. "It's been an extraordinary experience – a dream come true for me."

Melissa McCarthy playsAriel's nemesis, Ursula the sea witch. The comedian has said her performance was heavily inspired by Divine, the drag queen who found fame in John Waters films such as "Hairspray."

"She’s dishy. She’s a conniving broad,"McCarthy told the crowdat CinemaCon, the convention of theater owners."Maybe that's why I love her."

Other cast members include Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Awkwafina as Scuttle, Javier Bardem as King Triton andNoma Dumezweni as Queen Selina.

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What is 'The Little Mermaid' about?

Ariel is the youngest daughter of King Triton, ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. Although innately fascinated with the human world beyond the sea's surface, the mermaid is forbidden to explore that realm.

After rescuing Prince Eric from a shipwreck, Ariel falls is love and becomes determined to join him in his world. That decision puts her in conflict with her father and also results in a deal with the sea witch to trade her beautiful singing voice for legs.

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Where was 'The Little Mermaid' filmed?

The live-action "Little Mermaid" was green-lighted more than six years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic complicated filming, which took place at Pinewood Studios outside London and on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Sardinia is known for its crystalline blue waters and pristine beaches and is a preeminent summer tourist destination, especially for the jet-and-yacht set. Among the island's most well known beachfront towns are Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Santa Teresa di Gallura, the last of which was the reported location of "Mermaid" filming.

Who are the people making the live-action 'Little Mermaid'?

Longtime Disney collaborator Rob Marshall directs. His credits include "Chicago," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," "Mary Poppins Returns" and "Into the Woods."

Returning to the project is composer Alan Menken, who is credited with the songs in the animated classic. He's also the talent behind the music of other animated Disney favorites, including "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin."

For the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid," Menken collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda ("Hamilton,""In the Heights") to bring a few new songs to the story.

Who wrote 'The Little Mermaid?'

Danish author Hans ChristianAndersen wrote "The Little Mermaid," one of his many children's fairy tales. Andersen's version of the mermaid's tale was followed closely by Disney animators in the making of 1989's "The Little Mermaid."

Andersen's works are familiar to many parents and children alike, and have served as the inspiration for many movies. Among the stories he wrote nearly 200 years ago are familiar tales such as "The Princess and the Pea," "Thumbelina," "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Ugly Duckling."

Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY

More about 'The Little Mermaid':

  • 'Ursula is everything': Melissa McCarthy loves her 'conniving' villain in Disney's 'Little Mermaid'
  • 'The Little Mermaid' teaser trailer: See the first glimpse of Melissa McCarthy as Ursula
  • Disney shares a few first looks: Halle Bailey singing, 'Lion King' prequel 'Mufasa'
  • Halle Bailey delights young girls as 'Little Mermaid': 'Brown Ariel is cute'
  • 'brb gonna go cry': 'Little Mermaid' actress gets emotional over doll based on her
Disney's live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid' arrives soon. Here's what to know. (2024)

FAQs

What is the controversy Little Mermaid live-action? ›

“The Little Mermaid” has bombed with moviegoers in China and South Korea amid racist critiques in some quarters over the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey as main character Ariel. Disney's live-action remake has made only $3.6 million in mainland China since opening there on May 26, according to Box Office Mojo.

Why did they change Scuttles' gender? ›

Scuttle is not only changed from male to female but is also now a diving bird instead of a seagull. "This was done specifically so that Ariel would only meet Scuttle underwater, because, at the start of our story, Ariel has never dared go above the surface," director Rob Marshall said in production notes.

Who killed Ursula? ›

At the end of the 1989 animated film, Eric saves the day and kills Ursula. But in the new movie, Ariel is no longer the damsel in distress. She takes matters into her own hands and kills Ursula herself. Ariel and Eric's marriage brings the sea kingdom and the people on land back together.

Why was Ariel cast as black? ›

On the significance of casting a Black actress as Ariel

This is because people of color are less likely to see themselves reflected in the media. They are one of the underrepresented groups in Hollywood.

What is the mental illness in The Little Mermaid? ›

In the movie The Little Mermaid (Clements & Musker, 1989), Ariel displays symptoms of disposophobia, which is defined as the fear of getting rid of things.

Why did they change the name of Ariel's sister? ›

So, why the change? One theory is that each of Ariel's sisters represents different oceans that are home to various cultures and ethnicities. It's pretty problematic to have mermaids who all look the same representing such an expansive underwater world.

Why did Disney change Scuttle? ›

The decision to change Scuttle's species was made in order to elevate Ariel's narrative and create a more impactful moment when she breaches the water's edge. Scuttle's new design as a sea-diving bird allows Ariel to meet him in the water and obtain information about the surface, altering their routine meetings.

Why did they cut the chef scene in Little Mermaid? ›

The removal of "Les Poissons" gives Eric and Ariel more time to develop their relationship which is now based on something deeper than just love at first sight. With a longer runtime than the 83-minute animated film, the filmmakers were able to add new songs written by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Was Ursula a drag queen? ›

The original character in the 1989 movie was inspired by the triple threat drag queen, actor, and singer Divine, a fact that was mere speculation at first, but has since been confirmed by those involved with the film. Divine catapulted to cult fame after appearing in Pink Flamingos, John Waters' filthy 1972 comedy.

Is Ursula Ariel's aunt? ›

Ursula was played by Melissa McCarthy in the 2023 live action remake of The Little Mermaid, directed by Rob Marshall. In this version, like with the Broadway musical, Ursula is the estranged younger sister of King Triton (played by Javier Bardem), thus making her the paternal aunt to Ariel and her sisters in this film.

Why does Ursula hate Triton? ›

Throughout the film, Ursula is driven by vengeance and a lust for power. Her prolonged vendetta against King Triton fueled her desire to usurp him in revenge for her banishment from the palace.

How much did Halle Bailey get paid for The Little Mermaid? ›

It's believed that Bailey made about $1.5 million for her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, but that number could increase depending on how well the film performs opening weekend and beyond.

What movie did Disney lose money on? ›

Disney's epic fails

Disney endured a series of box office flops in 2023, with disappointing releases like The Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny losing the studio millions.

Why did Disney ban Little Mermaid cover? ›

Summary. The original VHS cover of Disney's The Little Mermaid was banned due to suggestive artwork featuring phallic imagery. The controversial cover caused a lot of controversy and Disney recalled and replaced the VHS covers.

What is the controversy with Sebastian The Little Mermaid? ›

This latest furor centers on the decision to depict Sebastian and Flounder in a hyper-realistic manner, with some fans evidently unhappy at the filmmakers for moving away from the cuddly, cartoonish approach adopted in the 1989 movie.

How many dislikes does The Little Mermaid live action have? ›

The Little Mermaid remake: Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid receives 1.5 million dislikes - The Economic Times.

Will Ariel be black at Disney World? ›

As of now , both Disneyland and Disney World have both black and white Ariel Little Mermaid character cast members in the park . This decision was made in order to promote diversity and representation in the park .

Why is Snow White controversial? ›

When the live action Snow White starring Rachel Zegler was first announced, it sparked racist backlash from commentators who believed that Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish origins, wasn't pale enough for the part, as the princess is described as having skin “as white as snow.”

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