The Little Mermaid has made a splash in cinemas with a new live-action adaptation. Halle Bailey stars as Ariel, bringing the beloved mermaid to life alongside Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton. Based on the 1989 animated classic and the timeless Hans Christian Andersen fable, Disney's latest live-action venture adds modern updates to Ariel's captivating tale. Director Rob Marshall introduces new scenes and songs co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken, the mastermind behind the classic Little Mermaid songs we all cherish. Dive into the enchanting differences between this adaptation and the animated original, as this beloved story takes on a fresh and captivating form.
The new adaptation of The Little Mermaid keeps the beloved songs from the animated movie, including favorites like 'Kiss the Girl,' 'Under the Sea,' and 'Part of Your World.' While there are minor tweaks to some lyrics, Alan Menken, the composer, addressed the changes made to 'Kiss the Girl' and Ursula's powerful number, 'Poor Unfortunate Souls.' These revisions aim to address sensitivities surrounding consent and empower young girls to express themselves.


In addition to the original songs, two songs, 'Daughters of Triton' and 'Les Poissons,' have been omitted, while three new songs have been added. These include 'Wild Uncharted Waters,' sung by Eric to express his love for Ariel, 'For the First Time,' showcasing Ariel's attraction to life on land beyond her connection with Eric, and the delightful 'The Scuttlebutt,' performed by Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs) and gannet Scuttle (Awkwafina). Although a fourth song, 'Impossible Child,' sung by Javier Bardem's King Triton, didn't make the final cut, there are hopes it may be included as an extra on the Disney+ release.


Fans may also notice a musical change in the iconic 'Under the Sea' sequence. Not only does Sebastian sing, but Ariel herself joins in, as revealed by Daveed Diggs. During recording, Halle Bailey, who portrays Ariel, was present in the studio, and composer Alan Menken encouraged her to improvise. Despite initial hesitation, Halle's impromptu performance impressed everyone involved, adding a delightful touch to the musical number.


Along with the songs several significant character changes have been made. Prince Eric, portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King, receives a substantial makeover, now having a personality, a backstory, and even a new song called 'Wild Uncharted Waters.' Unlike the traditional Disney princes who played minor roles, Eric in the animated version was given depth and emotion. He is depicted as wanting to modernize his island kingdom by engaging in trade with neighboring places. Additionally, he gains a mother while retaining his loyal sheepdog, Max.


Director Rob Marshall shared that these character changes were inspired by the realization that Eric lacked dimension in the 1989 film. He wanted to explore the connection between Ariel and Eric by delving into their individual journeys and finding common ground as kindred spirits. Both characters yearn for something more and are unafraid of embracing differences and diverse cultures.


Other character changes are present in the movie as well. Melissa McCarthy's portrayal of Ursula reveals her to be King Triton's sister, adding depth and explaining her damaged and broken nature due to her exile from her underwater family. Ursula's design also includes the correct number of eight tentacles, reflecting her octopus-like appearance. Scuttle, the seagull from the original movie, has been transformed into a female gannet, a diving seabird capable of submerging underwater. This change aligns with the director's vision of Ariel never having ventured to the surface before, amplifying the significance of the moment she breaks that rule.


Furthermore, the film emphasizes King Triton's closure of the ocean's surface following the death of Ariel's mother at the hands of humans. This decision intensifies the stakes and reinforces the impact of Ariel's eventual rebellion against the prohibition.


Another key difference is the very unfortunate slaughter of lovable Sebastian & Flounder who undergo a visual transformation in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. In the new film, Flounder appears less vibrant, with a washed-out and grey coloration compared to his bright blue and yellow appearance in the animated version. Likewise, Sebastian is designed to resemble a real crab, departing from his animated counterpart's cuter appearance. While this realistic portrayal aligns with the film's live-action nature, it has generated some criticism from fans.


Newsweek reported on fan backlash in April, with comparisons made to the infamous Cats movie and concerns raised about potential nightmares for children. Some fans expressed their disappointment on Twitter, questioning the decision to alter the beloved animated characters, particularly Flounder.


In addition to the changes in Sebastian and Flounder's appearance, Ariel's character in the new movie differs from the original. Like in the animated film, she remains captivated by the human world, but the live-action adaptation emphasizes that her fascination extends beyond Prince Eric. The film showcases Ariel's connection to the land through various scenes, culminating in the new song 'For The First Time,' which expresses her love affair with the world above the sea.


Halle Bailey, who portrays Ariel, expressed excitement about the updated perspective in an interview with Edition, highlighting that the
film goes beyond the notion of Ariel leaving the ocean solely for a boy. Instead, it explores larger themes such as self-discovery, purpose, freedom, and personal desires.


The new adaptation also presents Ariel as a stronger and more independent character than her 1989 counterpart, as showcased in a key scene that highlights her resilience and individuality.


In the climactic ending of the original 1989 animated film, Ursula, using King Triton's trident, grows into a monstrous size and unleashes a violent storm. As Ursula is about to harm Ariel, Eric intervenes by boarding a wrecked ship and impaling Ursula with a jagged piece of wood.


In the new adaptation, Ursula does transform into a colossal version of herself towards the end. However, it is not Eric who delivers the final blow. Instead, it is Ariel who bravely jumps onto the ship and impales her aunt, Ursula.


This revised ending brings greater coherence to the story, highlighting Ariel's independence and strength. It emphasizes that Ariel doesn't rely on a man to rescue her, and she becomes the savior who frees everyone, including her father, from the clutches of the wicked Ursula. Following their victory, Ariel and Eric set sail towards new adventures together.