Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, The Little Mermaid, has received a strong critical reception upon its global premiere on May 8 at Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles.
Helmed by Rob Marshall, the Halle Bailey starrer serves as the live-action adaptation of the classic 1989 animated movie. The actress plays Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica. Her love for Prince Eric and the world above water puts her life in danger. Ursula, a deceitful sea witch, offers her to trade her mesmerising voice in exchange for human legs so that she could impress Prince Eric.
Besides Bailey, The Little Mermaid treasures a well-talented cast of Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Awkwafina as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
Early reactions have revealed that Disney’s latest take on the 1989 classic has made some changes to the live-action project to modernise it. The majority of the reactions have praised the performances of Bailey and McCarthy. Although, it failed to outperform the animated classic in terms of overall quality and execution.
The Little Mermaid will arrive in theatres globally on May 26.
Check out some of the early reactions to the film:
Kirsten Acuna from Insider:
#TheLittleMermaid is filled with a few great performances from Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, but it's a mostly paint-by-numbers remake that's isn't as good as the animated masterpiece. pic.twitter.com/YY4ielYXiR
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) May 9, 2023
Simon Thompson from Forbes:
Endearing but uneven, #TheLittleMermaid doesn’t deliver the magic of the animated classic but there are plenty of creative touches from Rob Marshall to float the audience’s boats. Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy are great. Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide solid comic relief. pic.twitter.com/kt1pVURZiL
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 9, 2023
Courtney Howard from Variety:
#TheLittleMermaid: Charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy & Javier Bardem put their heart & souls into a film that can’t escape its animated legacy. Best when it leans into campy bonkers, yet limits its fantasy elements for no reason. pic.twitter.com/c7Bt2BO5rq
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 9, 2023
Zoe Rose Bryant from We Live Entertainment:
#TheLittleMermaid is a live-action remake that retains the heart and soul of the story we know and love, and it’s elevated even further by a note-perfect star-making performance from Halle Bailey – she was born to be on the big screen, & she’s why this new take is worth watching. pic.twitter.com/Tcewp2L4MY
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023
Gillian Blum from The Direct:
#TheLittleMermaid is the best Disney live-action adaptation to date. Halle Bailey IS Ariel. Major props to the sound effects team. Good changes, though one new song with too much autotune. Could watch this version’s Under the Sea all day, it was the highlight of the whole thing.
— Gillian Blum (@GillianBlum) May 9, 2023
Erik Davis from Fandango:
Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid is definitely one of the better live-action adaptions. Halle Bailey pours incredible emotion into Ariel and I got chills watching her, while Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian steal scenes all day. pic.twitter.com/DHhIkbIj8s
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2023
David Howat from Next Best Picture
Halle Bailey is wonderful, elevating everything around her. Even while mute, she’s just as magnetic. And Melissa McCarthy is having the time of her life. Excellent casting all around. #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/TJ3s5WEtwx
— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) May 9, 2023
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