More than three decades after its original debut, The Little Mermaid returns to theaters, but this time in a live-action version. Starring Halle Bailey, this movie recreates many aspects of the Disney animated classic and brings many changes.
From new songs to controversial characters and plot twists; you can find that and more in the production of the beloved American director Rob Marshall, including references to Ariel’s aquatic adventures from 1989.
One of the first changes is the length of both films. The original version lasts for 83 minutes; and the new one has 135 minutes. It’s almost an hour longer than the first movie!
Abandoned! Details of the new movie are shared below.
Three Original Songs: While all the tunes are recorded from the original animated film, three new songs were composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. One of them is played by Eric, who sings about being rescued from the shipwreck of Ariel, entitled Wild Water Uncharted. The second song is the first that Ariel sings after she loses her voice and falls to the ground. This song is considered the best on the tape. And the third he wrote Scuttlebutt, he interprets the rapture of Scuttle in which he tells Sebastian that Eric is ready to propose to a new and mysterious woman.
New character: If there is a character that has changed the feel of the film, it is Queen Selina, played by actress Noma Dumezweni. This is Eric’s adoptive mother, who warns him of the dangers of the “sea gods” and warns him not to strengthen his relationship with Ariel.
Eric’s Story: Although the 1989 film doesn’t go into Eric’s story much, in actuality the main character is presented as a lover of sailing and exploration; and details how he was adopted by Regina Selina and her husband 21 years before the events that occurred with The Little Mermaid.
Continue reading the story
Earth-Based Plot: Much of the story of The Little Mermaid takes place on Earth, due to the budding romance between Ariel and Eric. That includes a trip to the market and a dance series. Also a cameo by actress Jodi Benson, who provided the voice of Disney characters, as the protagonist of this film.
The Family Connection: Ursula is not just the cunning evil witch from The Little Mermaid, expertly played by Melissa McCarthy. She is King Triton’s sister, which makes the rivalry even more personal. In the first draft of the 1989 animated film, this story is told for the first time; but now it is done.
The Little Mermaid opens in theaters on Friday, May 26.
