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Everything We Know About The Little Mermaid So Far

Everything We Know About The Little Mermaid So Far
VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton WRITTEN BY: Taryn Crankshaw
Here's everything we know about "The Little Mermaid" so far. For this list, we'll be looking at all the behind the scenes details we've heard about the highly anticipated film so far. Our countdown includes the teasers, the plot, the music, and more!

Everything We Know About The Little Mermaid So Far


Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re discussing Everything We Know About “The Little Mermaid” So Far.

For this list, we’ll be looking at all the behind the scenes details we’ve heard about the highly anticipated film so far.

Which detail are you most excited about? Be sure to let us know in the comment section!

The Release Date


Back in 2016, Disney announced plans for the live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid." The film joins a recent trend of Disney animated classics that have undergone live-action makeovers. "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," and “The Lion King” are a few titles that paved the way for "The Little Mermaid’s" return to the silver screen. In 2018, Rob Marshall was confirmed as director, but it wasn't until 2020 that filming was set to begin. Before it could, however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production. Principal photography finally began in January 2021 and wrapped in July. In early 2023, Marshall stated that post-production was scheduled to finish in March, in time for its scheduled release on May 26, 2023.

The Teasers


Every two years, Disney welcomes fans and media personnel to their D23 conference. Over the three-day long event, attendees get a peek inside the studio’s upcoming projects. The 2022 expo was especially exciting for "Little Mermaid" fans, thanks to the screening of a teaser featuring a snippet of "Part of Your World." The clip was met with lots of excitement, gaining even more attention when it was later released to the public. The teaser showcased Halle Bailey's jaw-dropping vocals against an underwater seascape, leaving fans begging for more. In February 2023, their wish was granted when a second teaser was released, including a peek at Melissa McCarthy as Ursula!

The Set Design



One of the biggest mysteries surrounding the 2023 version of "The Little Mermaid" is what it will look like! When Melissa McCarthy stopped by “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, she hinted at what we might expect to see. Based on her description, the set design will be a feast for the eyes. A frequent collaborator of Rob Marshall, Academy Award-winner John Myhre (MY-r) is at the helm of the production design. Having worked on visually stunning films like "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha," it's safe to say that Ariel's oceanic oasis is in good fins…uh, hands.

The Cast


As soon as the live-action adaption of "The Little Mermaid" was announced, it became one of the hottest casting notices in Hollywood. Actresses like Zendaya were rumored to be considered for Ariel. Ultimately, Halle Bailey, best known for her musical act, Chloe x Halle, earned the coveted role. Melissa McCarthy joined the cast as the wicked sea witch Ursula, along with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Javier Bardem as King Triton. Tony winner Daveed Diggs stars as Ariel's right-hand crab, Sebastian; Jacob Tremblay as her fishy BFF Flounder; and Awkwafina as human expert Scuttle.

The Music



Every song on "The Little Mermaid" soundtrack is an absolute classic. From "Under the Sea" to "Part of Your World" to "Poor Unfortunate Souls," it's one of Disney's most iconic soundtracks, which means the pressure is on for the 2023 version. Thankfully, the 1989 film's OG composer, Alan Menken, is returning, alongside Broadway powerhouse Lin-Manuel Miranda. Menken and the late Howard Ashman co-wrote songs for the original film, and Miranda has stepped in to help keep that collaborative magic going. The duo has crafted a minimum of four new songs for the picture, which Menken revealed will include some of Miranda's signature style of rap.

Behind the Scenes


Everyone working behind the scenes of "The Little Mermaid" has a history of making movie magic. For instance, director Rob Marshall is no stranger to the movie musical. Marshall has directed several, including "Chicago”, “Nine”, “Into the Woods”, and more recently, "Mary Poppins Returns”. Then there are screenwriters Jane Goldman and David Magee, known for their fantastical storytelling skills. Goldman has written films like “Stardust” and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", and Magee movies like "Finding Neverland", “Life of Pie”, and "Mary Poppins Returns”. Combined with Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda's music, this underwater fairy tale is sure to make a splash!

The Plot


Written in 1837, "The Little Mermaid'' was originally a dark and tragic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The 1989 Disney adaptation lightened up the material and introduced us to the Ariel we all know and love. However, despite their differences, both stories are still about a restless young mermaid who dreams of life beyond the sea and makes a devastating deal with an evil sea witch so she can fall in love and live as a human. It's expected that the upcoming version will follow the same plot, but it wouldn't surprise us if there were a few twists, turns and surprises that will sweep us away!
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