The Littler Mermaid (2023) is the newest Disney live-action adaptation. But how close does it stay to the original? Honestly, the reimagining remains mostly faithful to the animated classic. So, what are the biggest differences? Well, there are a few. Let’s break them down. And be warned, there will be spoilers below… obviously. So, read at your own risk.
SPOILER WARNING
Also Read: “No One Surpassed This” The Little Mermaid Director Rob Marshall Saw “Hundreds of People” Audition For Halle Bailey’s Role
While most of the live-action adaptations have remained incredibly faithful, many have chosen to make some drastic changes from their source material. Aladdin (2019), for example, chose to take the film’s ending in a completely different direction. There was no giant cobra battle. Instead, we saw the parrot Iago grow to massive size. Aladdin also added the new song Speechless, performed by Jazmine (Naomi Scott). That song was praised for being a strong addition to the original film’s stellar sound track. The Little Mermaid follows suite, and adds not only one new song, but three.
New Songs
For The First Time
This is a new song from Ariel, which is fantastic since Halle Bailey’s singing voice is absolutely beautiful. Although the way that this one plays out is a bit odd. This song comes during the time Ariel has no voice, resulting in most of the song acting as a voiceover. For me, it didn’t quite work.
Wild Uncharted Waters
For the new film Prince Eric gets his own song. The song focuses on Eric’s longing to explore the world beyond his island and works to show that Eric and Ariel have similar views of the world and wanting to venture beyond their secluded homes. It’s Eric’s only song, but helps to give audiences a deeper view of the character.
Scuttlebutt
This one is arguably the worst addition; although, it will likely be a hit with children. It’s a rap performed primarily by the character of Scuttle (voiced by Awkwafina) along with Sabastian. It’s a high energy and fast paced bit that doesn’t quite fit the tone of the rest of the film in which Scuttle alerts Sebastian to Ursula’s evil plan.
Ursula’s Spell
Ursula is the antagonist of the film and has been hailed as one of the strongest villains in Disney animation. Her spell on Ariel removes her voice in exchange for her new human legs with the condition that she must share “true-loves-kiss” with Prince Eric within three days, or pay the ultimate price. All of this remains true in the live-action adaption, but there is a bit added.
One constant critique of that spell was the simplicity of its resolution. If Ariel knows she has to kiss Eric, why doesn’t she just do it? To remedy that, the 2023 version adds a new bit to the spell which makes it impossible for Ariel to remember that she must kiss Eric. Even as Sebastian does his best to remind her, the spell remains unbreakable. Sure, it’s a cheap loop-hole to fix a minor plot-hole, but whatever works!
Some Missing Scenes
The most notable scene missing from the animated classic is the one which depicts Sabastian running and fighting for his life in the castle’s kitchen. In the cartoon, the royal chef is insistent on cooking up a fresh meal of crab for his dining guests and Sabastian is his primary target. However, this scene is notably absent from the live-action film. The omission is likely due to wanting to center the focus on Ariel and her journey, as well as the struggles that would come from depicting this scene in live-action.
Some of the Ending
Unlike Aladdin, which changed the film’s ending entirely, The Little Mermaid remains very loyal to the climactic moments of the original. It features Ursula growing to massive size and she’s defeated when the sharp end of a broken ship crashes into her and pierces her abdomen. The one significant change the new film makes, is shifting who is steering that ship. In the original, it’s Prince Eric, saving the day and defeating the villain. However, in the 2023 version it’s Ariel who climbs aboard the ship and steers it into Ursula.
This change works towards the film’s benefit, allowing Ariel to be the hero of her own story and controlling her own destiny. The fact that she does not have legs, but instead has her tail, makes her struggle to get to the boat’s steering wheel feel even more heroic and tense, adding layers to the moment that had not previously been there.
The Little Mermaid (2023) released May 26th.
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