Disney has been recreating their beloved animated movies into live-action adaptations, and the upcoming release of The Little Mermaid is highly anticipated. The original film was part of Disney’s Renaissance era, which also included popular movies like Aladdin and The Lion King. Just as Princess Ariel eagerly wants to trade her mermaid tail for human legs, fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing this timeless story brought to life in a live-action format.
The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid aims to capture the same beloved story that enchanted audiences over 30 years ago. While the plot is expected to closely follow the original animated film, there may be some additions or omissions to enhance the storytelling. The cast for the film has been announced, and fans can look forward to seeing talented actors bringing the beloved characters to life. However, specific details about the release date and availability have not been disclosed yet. As more information becomes available, audiences can expect to learn more about the exciting details of The Little Mermaid’s live-action adaptation.
The Little Mermaid Trailer
The Little Mermaid: Cast
In the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey from the musical duo Chloe x Halle will take on the lead role as Ariel, the little mermaid herself. Prince Eric will be portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King, known for his roles in films like The Last Photograph and A Dog’s Way Home. Melissa McCarthy, known for her comedic roles, will step into the rare antagonistic role of Ursula, the sea witch. Javier Bardem, acclaimed for his performances in Spanish films, will play Ariel’s overprotective father, King Triton. This talented cast brings their unique skills and presence to the beloved characters of The Little Mermaid.
Nigerian actor Jude Akuwudike will take on the role of Grimsby, Prince Eric’s butler, responsible for finding a suitable bride for him. Noma Dumezweni, known for her portrayal of Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will play Carlotta, Prince Eric’s housekeeper. The characters Perla and Karina will be portrayed by Lorena Andrea and Kajsa Mohammar, adding new elements to the story of The Little Mermaid. The diverse cast brings their talent and unique perspectives to these memorable characters in the live-action adaptation.
The voice cast of the film includes some well-known names. Jacob Tremblay, known for his roles in films like Room and Good Boys, will lend his voice to Ariel’s best friend Flounder. Daveed Diggs, recognized for his breakout role in Hamilton and his work in Snowpiercer, will voice Sebastian the crab, King Triton’s faithful servant. Comedian and Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina will bring the redesigned character Scuttle to life with her comedic talents. These talented actors will give their voices to beloved characters, adding depth and personality to the animated counterparts in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
Alongside the confirmed cast, there are several reported actors who have been cast in undisclosed roles. Jessica Alexander, Russell Balogh, Adrian Christopher, Emily Coates, and Simone Ashley are among them. While their specific roles are not yet known, it is expected that more information about their characters, as well as any further casting announcements, will be revealed in the upcoming weeks and months. Fans will have to wait for updates to learn more about these talented actors’ roles in The Little Mermaid.
The Plot of The Little Mermaid
Similar to other live-action remakes by Disney, it is expected that The Little Mermaid’s plot will closely follow the original story, but with some updates to appeal to modern audiences. In the 1989 film, the mermaid princess Ariel is captivated by the human world, despite her father King Triton’s warnings against it. When she falls in love with Prince Eric during a visit to the surface, she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human temporarily. After winning Prince Eric’s heart, Ursula attempts to harm Ariel, but Prince Eric intervenes and defeats Ursula. In the end, Ariel and Prince Eric get married, and with King Triton’s approval, Ariel becomes a permanent human.
While details about the new film’s approach to the story are limited, it is likely to align with the description you provided. The official synopsis indicates that a young mermaid will make a pact with a sea witch, sacrificing her voice in exchange for human legs to explore the world above the water. This suggests that the fundamental elements of the original story will be retained in the new film.
The remake will include some known changes. Firstly, new characters named Perla and Karina will be introduced, although their specific roles in the story have not been revealed. The early announcement of these characters suggests that they will have significant roles. Additionally, the character of Scuttle the seagull has been reimagined as female, possibly to promote diversity and representation, as Ariel’s other companions, Sebastian and Flounder, are both male.
The Little Mermaid: Release Date
The release of the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid was initially planned for 2021 but was delayed due to the pandemic. Recently, Disney announced that the film will now premiere in theaters on May 26, 2023, specifically during the Memorial Day weekend.
Have they finished filming?
Production for The Little Mermaid began in 2020 but had to be delayed due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The initial filming location was in London, but it was later moved to Sardinia, Italy. On June 28, 2021, Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King were spotted filming a scene on a beach, possibly for the iconic “Kiss the Girl” sequence, on a boat. The production had to navigate through the challenges brought about by the pandemic, but it has continued to progress.
In an Instagram post, Halle shared that the filming for “The Little Mermaid” concluded on July 12. She expressed her gratitude for being a part of the film, reflecting on how she auditioned for it at 18 years old and now finishing it at 21, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
