Ariel, Eric, Úrsula and company are already in theaters around the world. With The little MermaidDisney resumes its controversial tradition of turning animated classics into movies live action, and as with each of these new versions, there is much to talk about. Although the version directed by Rob Marshall does not present great differences or extravagances at the level of other stories (maleficent either Alice in Wonderland, for example), it does have some elements that break away from the source material. Here we present the most important differences in the live action of The little Mermaid.
The relationship between Úrsula and Ariel
In the 1989 film, Ursula is a sea witch with enough powers to give Ariel the life she so desires. However, there is no bond beyond being her antagonist. The film directed by Rob Marshall presents us with a slight change, and that is that Úrsula is the sister of King Triton. He exiled her from her kingdom and made her live in the shadows. So when her beautiful niece finds herself torn by her love for Eric, the sea witch finds an opportunity to exact her revenge and claim the kingdom she’s longed for.
Ariel’s sisters
Although the 6 sisters of the protagonist are maintained, their origins and aspects are different. There are mermaids from Asia, Afro-descendants, with pink hair, etc. Here each one is physically different, and they don’t have a song in the movie. This point is important to clarify why Ariel has a different skin color than in the original tape. Triton is the king of the 7 seas, and for each of them he has a daughter. And since the story of The Little Mermaid takes place in the Caribbean, Halle Bailey’s Ariel meets the characteristics that would be expected. End of discussion.
Scuttle underwater?
A recent clip from the tape raised some controversy for seeing Scuttle talking under the sea. Although said activity does come to bewilder within the film, the truth is that there is a reason why Scuttle can dive into the depths. In 1989 we were in front of a seagull, but in 2023, Ariel’s talkative friend is a common gannet. Thanks to its waterproof feathers, this species can remain in the water for long periods of time, and usually steps on land solely to nest and care for its young.
Eric’s origin
If you thought that Ariel was the only one who wanted to come out of the family “shell”, you are wrong. This time, Eric also has an important background. As mentioned in several moments of the tape, the tide was also in charge of taking Eric with his family, since a shipwreck left him an orphan and at the gates of the castle where his adoptive parents live. It also highlights the appearance of Queen Selina, a new character who acts as the protagonist’s adoptive mother and represents an important part in her dramatic arc, as she seeks to protect him from exploring untamed waters after the storm where she met Ariel.
The “deal” between Úrsula and Ariel
The vast majority of the exchange between Ariel remains intact. The little mermaid wants to become human so she can meet Eric and together fight for her love. Her aunt, Úrsula, exchanges a pair of legs for her beautiful voice, and she accepts. But there is a slight change. In the animated film, Ariel desperately searches for Eric’s kiss; however, the Úrsula of the live action She is more intelligent, because in order to stay with the kingdom of Triton, she casts a spell on her to forget that she needs a kiss of love. This leads to the next point.
New songs and changes to existing ones
Many fans of the animated classic began to complain when they talked about the changes in the songs of The little Mermaid. The truth is that these are almost imperceptible, and only add coherence to the story that is being told. Since Ariel doesn’t remember that she’s supposed to get a kiss, and getting one from Prince Eric might surprise her, the song “Kiss her” only makes a slight change. Instead of “You don’t have to ask him”, now she hears “You just have to ask him”.
Lasting 50 minutes longer than its animated counterpart, it was to be expected that Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda would compose new themes for the film. And so it happened. Now we have a song called “Untamed Waters”, performed by Prince Eric, which allows us to know what he is looking for in life, but also “First Experience”, where Ariel tells us, through her thoughts, what it feels like to be Out of the water for the first time. Finally, there is “There is a rumor”, performed by Scuttle and Sebastian. This rap, which is more attributed to Lin-Manuel Miranda, has generated divided opinions among viewers.
And the wedding?
Once Ursula, or rather Vanessa, hypnotizes Eric by posing as the girl who saved his life, a wedding immediately begins to be planned at the castle. At least that’s how it is in the original. However, the film starring Halle Bailey changes the wedding to a request for a hand. Furthermore, it is not Scuttle who reveals Vanessa’s true identity to everyone, but Ariel herself in order to recover her voice.
Ursula’s death
As in the last act of the animated film, Úrsula takes possession of the marine kingdom and turns into a giant monster that causes a storm. However, it is Eric who is most in danger from her, and not Ariel, as in the 1989 animation. Thus, it is our protagonist who directs a ship against the villain and ends up killing her. This makes more sense considering that Úrsula is more related to Ariel, so the latter is the one who must end her evil.
What do you think of the changes in the live action of The little Mermaid? Do you think they all work to complement the original story?
Juan Jose Cruz I am one of those who always defended Robert Pattinson as Batman and can see the same movie in the theater up to 7 times. My guilty pleasure? Low budget horror movie.