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I love Disney movies. Like most other Disney Fanatics, I grew up on them, watching my favorites endlessly. It’s a love that has only continued as an adult. I’ve rewatched Moana many times over, singing (read: screaming) along whenever Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) pondered where she’d go. (In life? In this world? Who knows.)
Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Moana (Auli’i Caravalho), HeiHei the chicken, and Pua the pig. Credit: Disney
As a kid, my favorite movie was Aladdin. I loved Princess Jasmine, and I adored Raja, her pet tiger. I was thrilled when Disney announced they were making a live-action remake of the movie and was thrilled to see Naomi Scott step into Princess Jasmine’s role. Her song, “Speechless,” particularly the reprise, continues to be one of my go-to’s when I need an energizer. Disney had modified the storyline, and cast a British actor of Indian origin (along with Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud) in the lead, with Will Smith playing the Genie.
I laughed. I cried. I celebrated the characters’ wins. I mourned their losses. And I loved every moment.
Halle Bailey wowed audiences with her rendition of “Part of Your World” / Credit: Disney/Canva
The Little Mermaid animated movie is one of those films I watched a few times and certainly enjoyed, but I was so excited to hear that Disney had planned to remake it into a live-action movie.
To those who critique Disney for not making more original stories and remaking old animated movies, I hear you. (Specifically, the criticisms about the perceived lack of creativity.) But truth be told, a huge part of me can’t wait to see what they’ve done. I can’t wait to see how they’ve reimagined Princess Ariel for the modern context.
The Little Mermaid pre-release artwork / Credit: Disney
Few actresses could have done justice to the character in the way Halle Bailey has, whether in the trailers or in her performances. Her Disneyland performance has a permanent place in my music queue. Her voice is ethereal and magical, and she is the perfect representation of a Disney Princess.
Much has been said and done about The Little Mermaid live-action remake. There have been criticisms of “wokeness” levied at it, and early reviewers have shared some mixed reviews. While, for the most part, critics have loved the movie, some have also opined that outside of some wonderful performances, the movie can’t escape its animated legacy. (Note that not one person has a bad thing to say about Halle Bailey, in fact, she’s reportedly delivered an emotional and “chilling” performance.)
Ariel the little mermaid with her friends Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish. Credit: Disney
The truth of the matter is that a movie can’t stand apart from the original, but I’m not sure it has to. As long as it shows up and delivers wonderful performances, incredible music (and with Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, I’m not really worried about that one), and has a talented cast and crew, it’s likely going to be a winner.
I can’t wait to be in the theater when The Little Mermaid does release to a general audience. And you best believe it’ll take everything I have in me to not scream-sing “Part of Your World” when Halle Bailey yearns for something more.
Mickey Mouse and Friends at Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Disney
The Little Mermaid live-action remake stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Jonah Hauer-King as the dashing Prince Eric. The movie is directed by Chicago filmmaker Rob Marshall.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.
