During the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Studios gave us a brief glimpse at the upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid. This will be a reimagining of the studio's Oscar-winning animated musical, set to hit theaters next year on May 26, 2023.
The trailer takes us under the sea where we get a look at Ariel's Grotto. While remakes and reimaginings of these beloved classics can sometimes take creative liberties -- often to their detriment and disappointment of fans -- the Grotto has been recreated with a striking similarity to the original.
We also get our first look at singer and actress Halle Baily (grown-ish) as Ariel. Not only does she look perfect as the young mermaid, but she sounds absolutely fantastic as she belts the first few lines of the iconic song "Part of Your World." The run is a little much for me, but there's no denying she sounds amazing. Let's just hope fans are open and receptive to a live-action Ariel not looking exactly like the animated version we grew up with.
As a reimagining, the plot of this live-action version should feel familiar to the original. While there may be some changes here and there, the story should be true to the original.
“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
The Little Mermaid is directed by Oscar nombinee Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns) and written by two-time Oscar nominee David Magree (Life of Pie, Finding Neverland). The live-action story has been adapted by David Magree, Rob Marshall and two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca. However, the original inspiration for Disney's The Little Mermaid stems from the short story by Hans Christian Andersen, which is actually a bit darker than the House of Mouse's take on it.
The Little Mermaid has an incredible cast led by Halle Baily as Ariel. She's joined by Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) as the voice of Sebastian; Jacob Tremblay (Luca) as the voice of Flounder; Awkwafina (Raya and the Last Dragon) as the voice of Scuttle; Jonah Hauer-King (A Dog’s Way Home) as Prince Eric; Art Malik (Homeland) as Sir Grimsby; Noma Dumezweni (Mary Poppins Returns) as Queen Selina; with Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) as Ursula.
The Little Mermaid becomes a part of our world when it opens exclusively in theaters on May 26, 2023.