While legendary composer Alan Menken has returned to score The Little Mermaid, he's been forced to contend with some big changes to his iconic songs.
"Kiss the Girl" and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" have both altered their lyrics in an effort to better reflect today's world, something Menken seemingly has mixed feelings about based on past interviews. Now, he's confirmed another major change in this live-action remake with the unexpected removal of "Daughters of Triton."
That song opened 1989's The Little Mermaid and saw Ariel make it clear she isn't quite the same as her sisters.
In an interview ComicBook.com, Menken explained that removing "Daughters of Triton" was a creative decision made to ensure "Part of Your World" has a bigger splash when it's sung during the first act.
"I think the thought process was a) we didn't it need in this particular version," he reveals. "And we definitely wanted the film to start with a much more of a live-action feel of the ocean and meeting Ariel, and then we wait a little bit, make you wait until we get to 'Part of Your World.'"
"And I think that was, you know, it was an amazing choice because it just builds the power and anticipation. And part of that is also knowing you're adapting something that's already beloved. So you want to say, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it, and here it is. And when it comes, God."
Talking of that song, Halle Bailey recently performed it at Disneyland for hundreds of fans in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle.
We have footage of that, and a new featurette, which you can check out below ahead of The Little Mermaid's May 26 release.