As promised earlier this week, the trailer for The Little Mermaid dropped at the 95th Academy Awards today , giving fans a glimpse into the underwater world of a live-action version of one of Disney’s most beloved Renaissance era films.
Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy star in the film, which is scheduled for release in May. A poster was recently released that gives a new look at Ariel and previews the trailer that was unveiled at the Oscars. The film is the latest in a series of big-budget live-action adaptations of Disney’s animated classics. However, unlike Mulan , it seems the Little Mermaid will still be with her talking animal sidekicks.
The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast , Cruella , Aladdin , and The Lion King were big Disney hits , with relatively few mishaps. Mulan and Pinocchio went straight to Disney+ and didn’t get a very warm welcome – but in Pinocchio’s case at least , it seems likely that the decision to keep it out of theaters was based on concerns about its appeal and box office potential. The Little Mermaid is headed straight for the big screen.
The Little Mermaid is the story of Ariel, a beautiful and energetic young mermaid thirsty for adventure. Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most rebellious, is eager to learn more about the world beyond the sea, and during a visit to the surface falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately puts her life – and her father’s crown – in danger. We will most likely be able to see the film on May 26, 2023!
The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, as well as Jacob Tremblay, Jonah Hauer-King, Art Malik, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.