One key aspect from the original 1989 The Little Mermaid animated film is being fixed in the 2023 live-action remake.
As The Little Mermaid fans spotted in recently released clips, one crucial difference was made from its original Disney adaptation: Ariel’s true reason for giving up her voice.
While most concluded that Ariel simply fell in love with the prince, many have missed out on the fact that the mermaid princess was in complete awe of the human world — not just specifically Eric.
Although it remains obvious to some, most viewers sees The Little Mermaid as a tragic romance between the mermaid and human, when in reality, it’s Ariel pursuing her dreams to explore the surface world.
“We felt the same way.” The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall said in the latest SFX Magazine issue (via The Direct).
Marshall added: “What makes [The Little Mermaid remake] a very modern story is that [Ariel]’s not giving up her voice for a man, that’s not what’s happening here.”
The director continued on to explain how they came to the conclusion on changing the most important aspect of the live remake.
“That idea was very modern, to not be afraid of the ‘other.’ When we were making this, walls were being put up and divisions were being created, and people were getting more insular.” Marshall explained.
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He continued on to say, “This is a character who’s reaching through fear. They are building a bridge as opposed to a wall. It was an antidote to what was happening in the world and to the divisions that were and are happening in the world. It is a reminder that we’re all one.”
“[Ariel and Eric] find each other from these different worlds, not being afraid to be with each other against all odds, and they build that bridge.” Marshall added, “She’s not just falling for the cute guy.”
The Little Mermaid fans are sure to appreciate this little change in the live remake.
Disney’s attempt to modernize the animated film could be the opportunity they’ve been looking for in correcting what the original film failed to deliver.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action remake is currently slated to hit theaters on May 26.