Halle Baily starrer The Little Mermaid recently revealed a new soundtrack, which hints the upcoming live-action adaptation might take a different route. The film is expected to change a significant narrative element compared to its animated original, released in 1989.
Entertainment Weekly recently reported that The Little Mermaid remake would offer a variety of new melodies composed by Alen Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. One of the songs, titled “For the First Time,” will be performed by Ariel (played by Halle Bailey) as she explores the world with her love interest, Eric (played by Jonah Hauer-King).
New Movie To Prevent Ariel From Losing Her Voice?
Including the song could mean the new film will diverge from the original 1989 version. The animated movie depicted Ariel losing her voice once she sets foot on land. However, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of the live-action adaptation showing Ariel voiceless for some part of the story. But it’s still mere speculation, and nothing can be said for sure.
If the upcoming version doesn’t stay true to its original, it’s likely to bring in a variety of imaginative twists of its own. It could include fresh appearances for the lead characters and supporting cast.
Most of Ariel’s physical changes seem subtle, with her appearance largely resembling her animated counterpart. However, Sebastian, Ariel’s musical sidekick, has undergone a massive makeover. Some Disney fanatics also pointed out that the reimagined melodic crustacean won’t be able to survive underwater in real life.
Halle Bailey Has Her Say On The Remake’s Change
During a recent interview, Halle Bailey revealed that the upcoming film would aim to reframe the gender politics of the original. The star explained the live-action movie’s feminist perspective would take it beyond the notion of a mermaid leaving her home for the sake of love.
“I’m really excited for my version of the film because we’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy,” Bailey said. “It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants… As women we are amazing, we are independent, we are modern, we are everything and above.”
Choosing Halle Bailey for the lead role in The Little Mermaid also marks the departure of Ariel as a white character shown in the original movie. Bailey also spoke about the backlash from some Disney fans following her casting announcement.
To overcome the social media trolling, Bailey took cues from famous musician Beyonce, who advised her to avoid reading comments. The star also revealed that during the launch of the teaser for the film at the D23 Expo, she refrained from acknowledging any negative feedback.
Source: CBR
